Alex Trebek wins Daytime Emmy for Jeopardy: 'I was concerned that sympathy might play a big role this year'

This is the sixth Daytime Emmy Trebek has received for his performance on the game show

Clémence Michallon
New York
Monday 06 May 2019 17:53 BST
Comments
Alex Trebek poses with his Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host on 5 May, 2019 in Pasadena, California.
Alex Trebek poses with his Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host on 5 May, 2019 in Pasadena, California.

Alex Trebek has received a Daytime Emmy award for his performance as the host of Jeopardy! – which he accepted with a humorous speech saying he welcomed what he described as a possible “sympathy” vote.

The crowd erupted in cheers when Trebek, who revealed in March that he had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, stepped onstage to pick up his Outstanding Game Show Host award.

“Ever since the nominations came out, I have worried about this moment,” Trebek told the audience after a rousing standing ovation.

“Let me explain. You were worried about winning. I was concerned that sympathy might play a big role in the voting this year.”

The crowd protested Trebek’s implication, but he put his hand up.

“Let me finish,” he added. “I’m not a big fan of sympathy votes. I believe we should all be judged on the merit of our work.”

Trebek continued with his trademark tongue-in-cheek humour: ”However, I started thinking back to last year. Last year, I was nominated. I had just had major surgery to remove two life-threatening blood clots on my brain. You would think that would have elicited a certain amount of sympathy, but I didn’t win!”

He then referred to Sally Field’s acceptance speech at the 1985 Oscars, during which she won the Academy Award for Best Actress and told the audience: “I can’t deny the fact that you like me. Right now, you like me.”

“Maybe I’ve been worrying about the wrong thing,” Trebek added, “and I said: ‘Just do what Sally Field in a different venue many, many years ago and look at this as a sign that you guys like me and that you value my work.

“And I’ll tell you, if that’s the case, I can live with that. Thank you.”

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

Trebek has hosted Jeopardy! since 1984. He has won six Daytime Emmys, including Sunday night’s, for his performance on the game show.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in