Who Is ‘Jeopardy’ Host Alex Trebek’s Wife? 3 Things To Know About Jean Currivan
Alex Trebek is the most iconic face in game show history. The beloved host of Jeopardy! is witty and charming, and he has an adoring fan base. He has had a massive amount of support from friends and family during his battle against cancer. His top supporter is his beautiful wife, Jean Currivan Trebek. The two have a sweet love story and Trebek appreciates her positive spirit and continuous encouragement.
‘Jeopardy!’, ‘Jackpot’, and ‘Reach for the Top’
Trebek has been the face of one of America’s favorite game shows for over three decades. Since 1984, the Jeopardy! host has entertained fans of all ages with the popular trivia show. Trebek had plenty of experience as a host before being approached by Merv Griffin in 1984.
Trebek was born in Canada in 1940. His parents were French-Canadian and Ukrainian. He was a bright, curious child and when he was 12 he left his childhood home to attend boarding school.
Trebek graduated from high school in 1957 and then studied philosophy at the University of Ottawa. Upon graduating in 1961, the star decided philosophy wasn’t for him, and changed his focus to journalism. He worked as a substitute reporter and newscaster for the Canadian Broadcasting Company until 1966, when he became interested in game show hosting.
The host’s first game show hosting experience was on Reach for the Top. It was a Canadian show where high school students flaunted their smarts. Trebek moved to the Canadian version of Jeopardy! in 1970, and by 1973, he was ready to try his hand at fame in the United States.
Upon arriving in the U.S., Trebek spent one year hosting The Wizard of Odds. When that show tanked, the charming host was asked to join High Rollers. During his time on High Rollers, he also hosted The $128,000 Question and Pitfall.
Merv Griffin, the creator of Wheel of Fortune, noticed Trebek’s charismatic personality and thought he would be the perfect fit for a reboot of Jeopardy!(which had originally aired from 1964-1975). Trebek went on to win several Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host.
Trebek’s beautiful, supportive family
In 1974, Trebek married his first wife, Elaine Callei. The couple was married until 1981. They did not have children together, but Trebek did adopt Callei’s daughter, Nicky.
Nicky Trebek is now 53 years old and feels incredibly blessed that she had such a warm and caring father. She told Entertainment Tonight that one of her favorite memories with her dad was attending a wine symposium where she sat next to Vincent Price.
In 1990, Trebek married his second wife, Jean Currivan Trebek. His son, Matthew, was born that year and his daughter, Emily, was born three years later. Trebek’s children admire his perseverance and generosity, recalling that he wrote hundreds of thousands of thank-you notes to his supporters while battling cancer.
Nicky currently works on the Jeopardy! set as well, and she enjoys working with her dad (despite the extra pressure sometimes). Matthew has a passion for the hospitality industry and owns a Mexican restaurant, Oso, in New York City. Emily is a real estate agent in California who specializes in flipping houses. All three children credit their success to the overwhelming support of their father as they were growing up.
Jean Currivan Trebek: Who is she?
After 29 years of marriage, Trebek is still head over heels for the love of his life, Jean Currivan Trebek. In a recent interview with People, Trebek says the only regret he has in life is that he wishes he met his wife earlier.
“If I had just met Jean in my 20s, we could have had a longer life together,” said Trebek. The host then went on to joke that when he was in his 20s, she hadn’t been born yet. Trebek is 23 years older than his wife.
Trebek and his wife met at a party in 1988 and quickly became friends. Jean was drawn to his deep sensitivity and gruff exterior, despite the age difference. She loves his sense of humor and curiosity. Trebek attributes their successful marriage, in part, to the fact that they are both homebodies.
The Trebeks love to spend time at home, tinkering around the house, watching movies, and cooking. Jean’s incredible strength and support for Trebek during his battle with cancer is another bright spot in their marriage.
Jean has a very interesting background. Here are three things you might not have known about Trebek’s fascinating wife:
- She is a professional sound healer and Reiki master. Sound healing uses vibrations from a variety of music and sounds to relax the mind and promote healing. Reiki is a Japanese technique used to reduce stress and increase relaxation.
- She is a Religious Science practicioner. Licensed Religious Science practicioners help people promote healing through the use of affirmative prayer.
- She is a founder of insidewink. insidewink is an online platform that encourages kinder living through universal experiences. The platform shares positive stories and lifestyle advice.
Jean’s background in healing has helped her remain positive during Trebek’s treatment, which she believes has also helped him keep up his spirits.
Trebek just celebrated his 80th birthday, surrounded by his loving family. Jean Currivan Trebek is a special woman, and her husband says he could not go through this battle without her.
