A Heartfelt Tribute to Larry Martin
There was a moment on a recent episode of Jeopardy! that really touched me. Alex Trebek took the time to honor Larry Martin, a former contestant who had recently passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. This is the same disease Alex himself is currently fighting. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that defines so many people battling this illness.
Remembering Larry Martin
On November 5, 2019, the 79-year-old Alex Trebek decided to open the Tournament of Champions episode by paying tribute to Larry Martin, the 2018 winner of the Teachers Tournament. Larry passed away in January 2019, but his legacy lives on. Alex shared some heartfelt words about Larry, saying, "Larry was not only a good player but he was really, really popular with our fans here in the studio, with fans nationwide, and with all of his fellow competitors. He will be severely missed." It was clear from Alex's tone that Larry was a special person who left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Wearing Purple Ribbons in Honor of Larry
Alex didn't stop at words; he made sure Larry's memory was physically present during the tournament. He mentioned that all the contestants would be wearing something special in honor of Larry. "I’m sure many of you noticed on yesterday’s program, and on today's episode, our three contestants are all wearing purple ribbons," Alex explained. "This is one of the symbols in the fight against pancreatic cancer. They are wearing them as a tribute to Larry Martin." It was a small gesture, but one that carried immense meaning, reminding everyone of the ongoing fight against this devastating disease.
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The purple ribbons will be worn throughout the tournament, which started on November 4 and concluded on November 15. The contestants wore these ribbons not only in honor of Larry but also for Alex, who revealed in March 2019 that he was battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The gesture was a reminder of the strength and resilience that both men displayed in the face of adversity.
Dr. Oz Shares an Update on Alex Trebek's Health
Dr. Oz, a close friend of Alex Trebek, recently gave an update on Alex's condition. Speaking to Closer Weekly, Dr. Oz said, "I spoke to Alex in Los Angeles. He’s down. He’s struggling with the different forms of chemotherapy that are being offered to him, but I told him, and I do believe this, he’s a soulful man who’s always been optimistic about life—keep his confidence. The longer he stays alive, the better able we are to catch up to his pancreatic cancer." It was a heartfelt message that emphasized the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of such a difficult battle.
Dr. Oz went on to describe Alex as a "golden-hearted man who is able to give so much to so many people." He added, "The passion and the support you see on Jeopardy! is what he does in person as well. I’ve always admired him. When I did my 1000th show, I asked for only one guest to surprise me, and I didn’t think they’d get him, and it was Alex Trebek, and in fact, he walked out and surprised me!" It was a touching reminder of the deep connections that Alex has made throughout his career.
