Ken Jennings on Mayim Bialik, Sharing ‘Jeopardy!’ Hosting, and Special Bond with Alex Trebek
Jeopardy!‘s greatest player of all time, Ken Jennings, is opening up about becoming the show’s permanent co-host, his relationship with Mayim Bialik, succeeding the late Alex Trebek, and how he sees the show evolving over the next few years.
In a new interview with Vulture, Jennings spoke about his final conversation with Trebek, which took place the same weekend he died. “I was scheduled to come into the studio to rehearse for some games; even if Alex bounced back as he had before, he wanted somebody to fill in for him for a little while,” Jennings said. He noted that Trebek’s voice was weak but that “he was still very much Alex.”
“But the thing that stuck with me is he thanked me for coming in to fill in for him,” Jennings continued. “That just broke me. I said, ‘Alex, are you kidding? We should be thanking you. I’d take a bullet for you, Alex. I’m happy to help.’ Of course, I didn’t know that he would be gone within 36 hours.”
Jennings was the first guest host to fill in following Trebek’s passing, which he revealed filled him with panic. “[Trebek] had done the job so perfectly for decades, and suddenly, within weeks of his passing, I had to step in as a substitute,” he stated. “It was really nerve-wracking. It’s a difficult job.”
Despite his concerns, Jennings had a lot of encouragement from friends and colleagues, including Trebek’s widow, Jean, who sent him a pair of her husband’s cufflinks and a note of support. “It must have been a super hard time for her, and she was thinking about the poor schmuck trying to do her late husband’s old job. That was such a lovely gesture.”
Earlier this year, Jennings and Bialik were officially named Jeopardy!‘s new permanent hosts. “I wish we had some unifying Alex Trebek type that everyone agreed was perfect for the job, but in his absence, it’s going to take two of us to do his job,” Jennings said.
The former champion described hosting Jeopardy! as his “dream job,” but also noted Bialik’s importance in the role. “My sense, from talking to her, is that she’s very proud to represent women, particularly in STEM fields, where there isn’t a great gender balance,” he said. “There’s no better platform than Jeopardy! for honoring knowledge and education.”
He added, “The one thing I don’t love about me in the role is that we saw a white guy do it for 37 years and times are different now. Mayim takes that part of the job very seriously and also clearly enjoys it.”
As for the future of the show, Jennings highlighted Michael Davies‘ (the show’s executive producer) background in sports and how he’s bringing that mindset to Jeopardy! “It has champions, it has tournaments, it has statistics. You’re going to see more of that. Hosting the Tournament of Champions is such a thrill because you’re seeing the game played at the highest possible level. It’s our World Series. I want more moments like that.”
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Conversation11 Comments
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G
Re: A woman host. I have zero objection to a woman host, just an objection to that woman. Putting aside that I object to her on general principles due to her actions and views off camera, she does an awful job as a host. There are so many capable women who would easily eclipse her at that lectern.
14 4
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O
I disagree with you, Sam,100%. I find Mayim to be smart, likable, witty, and capable with the players, so that they seem comfortable and
relaxed with her. She is very distinct with her reading of the clues. This is my opinion.
You are entitled to yours.
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O
I'm a big fan of Ken and would have loved for him to share hosting with Buzzy Cohen. I'm still hoping that poor ratings when Mayim hosts will result in her departure.
17 7
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B
Agreed. Both Ken and Buzzy have intelligent wit. Mayim has a pathetic need for attention with no talent that would recommend giving her notice.
14 6
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O
Your gender discrimination is blatantly disgraceful.
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C
Dump her, give her job to Buzzy. Easy peasy, problem sorted.
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G
I think they are both doing a great job and Alex is smiling down on them. Didn’t know we had so many perfect people in this country that have extra stones to cast at others. ENJOY THE SHOW!!! Alex would be disappointed at these negative comments 🙁
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P
Pro Ken and/or Buzzy. Anti Mayim.
6 5
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O
Ken has the personality and fast wit to host the show. Mayim has no personality for it. She is not funny or witty although very intelligent.
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C
Buzzy is a stiff. I can't understand the support for the guy. I'd rather see Holtzhaur host the show before Buzzy and that would be a disaster in itself.
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G
Buzzy is young, fresh, intelligent, witty and, in short, exactly what the show needs to attract young viewers.
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