George Stephanopoulos’ ‘reps are lobbying’ for him to ‘be the next host of Jeopardy!’ in new report… after Alex Trebek died at age 80 from pancreatic cancer
George Stephanopoulos’ reps are reportedly lobbying for him to be the next host for the game show Jeopardy!, per The Wrap.
The report comes just one day after longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek died at age 80 on Sunday, November 8, at age 80 following his battle with pancreatic cancer.
His agent didn’t respond to the outlet’s request for comment but another source for the same news site denied he was ‘actively’ pursuing the role.
Report: George Stephanopoulos’ reps are reportedly lobbying for him to be the next host for the game show Jeopardy!, per The Wrap; pictured April 2, 2019
The Wraps’ report that the broadcast journalist’s reps are lobbying for him to be the next host comes from a ‘highly placed person with knowledge of the situation.’
That same source told the outlet that the ABC News anchor is reportedly eyeing the position while his reps lobby hard at ABC.
He works at the same network as the chief anchor and political correspondent for ABC News; George previously worked as an advisor to the Democratic Party, including as the communications director for Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign.
Jeopardy! distributor CBS Television and producer Sony Television will have a say in the next host, as will ABC; ABC holds the syndication rights for the show, and has so for decades, per the outlet.
They renewed the syndication deal for Jeopardy! in late 2018.
RIP: The report comes just one day after longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek died at age 80 on Sunday at age 80 following his battle with pancreatic cancer
The same report’s source also claims that Dan Harris is ‘pitching’ himself for the position.
Dan is a journalist and anchor for ABC News’ Nightline and also the weekend edition of Good Morning America.
Prior to Alex’s death, Ken Jennings was named a consulting producer on the show, which led to speculation if he could take over the role, but it is not known.
Alex passed on early Sunday morning at the age of 80 at his Los Angeles home, following his battle with stage four pancreatic cancer.
He revealed his diagnosis in March 2019.
Journalist and anchor: He works at the same network as the chief anchor and political correspondent for ABC News; George previously worked as an advisor to the Democratic Party, including as the communications director for Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign
For 36 years, the legendary host made the quiz show Jeopardy! into a juggernaut.
CNN’s Brian Stelter reported that Trebek’s final day in the Jeopardy! studio was on October 29.
Episodes will continue to air through Christmas Day.
Stelter added that Jeopardy! producers said ‘the show is not announcing plans for a new host at this time.’
Before his death, Trebek continued to host the 37th season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Trebek has hosted more than 8,200 episodes of Jeopardy!, which has won 39 Emmy awards, according to its website.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jean, and their two children, Matthew and Emily. Trebek was close with his first wife’s daughter, Nicky. He married Elaine Callei in 1974 and they divorced in 1981.
Icon: Before his death, Trebek continued to host the 37th season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Trebek has hosted more than 8,200 episodes of Jeopardy!, which has won 39 Emmy awards, according to its website