For 36 years, we watched Alex Trebek show us how to work – and how to live

Whenever someone learns that I appeared on Jeopardy!, they always ask me two things: ‘How did you do that?’ and ‘What’s Alex Trebek really like?’ I always reply: ‘I tried out!’ and ‘He’s just the same as the way he appears on the show.’

He’s just the same as the way he appears on the show. Let that sink in for a moment. He’s just the same as the way he appears on the show. The Alex Trebek we saw at his job was essentially the real Alex Trebek, not a facade.

Many of our most famous television celebrities have been real people. They’re news anchors or sports announcers, or hosts of reality or talk shows, being paid handsomely for millions of people to watch them work.

It can be very upsetting when a TV celebrity’s private life differs too greatly from their public persona. (Exhibit A: Ellen.) We want to feel like we really know them. We’re hungry for authenticity.

I spent the better part of two working days in the physical presence of Alex Trebek. It was the thrill of my life to stand on the stage with him, interact directly with him, and hear him repeatedly call my name.

Some people assume from these facts that I possess some special insight into who he really was. I don’t, of course. Not really.

But I do think that all of us can put together a pretty accurate picture of the man. For more than 36 years his work was on daily display for the world to see. And what we saw all that time were some key characteristics that serve not only as foundation for professional success, but also for a good life.

Consistency. How many among us have shown up for the same job, day in and day out, in more or less the same clothes, for more than a third of a century? Granted, there were variations in facial hair over the years, but the underlying steadiness of Alex Trebek’s presence was a source of comfort and confidence to many a home viewer.

Curiosity. The very premise of Jeopardy! is that the questions are more important than the answers. Alex Trebek helped train generations of inquiring minds, inviting them to delight in exploration, discovery, and lifelong learning. He modeled the joy and wonder of general knowledge – the kind of knowledge that helps in life enrichment, not merely career advancement.

Courtesy. On-air, Alex Trebek unfailingly treated people with kindness and respect. He never belittled or demeaned anyone, never made anyone the butt of a cruel joke. He took his work as host seriously – that is, he was truly hospitable toward each and every one of his guests, helping put them at ease so they could perform their best.

Charity. Though it was apparent to all that Alex Trebek was the star of Jeopardy!, he never made it about himself. To the contrary, he graciously shared the stage with three contestants each episode. After all, it was their knowledge, not his, that was being showcased.

Courage. Alex Trebek was open and honest about his terminal cancer diagnosis. He didn’t wallow in self-pity or withdraw into isolation. He publicly expressed his gratitude for the care and support he’d received and for the rich and full life he’d enjoyed, and he kept at his job for as long as he was physically able.

What we all learned about Alex Trebek was that he had a wonderful life. We celebrate that now with his passing. What we mourn is the loss of his example.