The late Alex Trebek, beloved host of “Jeopardy!”, often becomes a topic of conversation, even years after his passing. Recently, a resurfaced interview clip has ignited social media, particularly among what’s humorously termed “Twitter’s Black Delegation,” regarding his perceived racial ambiguity in his younger years and his honorary status within the Black community. This renewed attention prompts the question: Is Alex Trebek Black?
While Alex Trebek, who passed away in November 2020 at the age of 80, was of Canadian and Ukrainian descent, a clip from a 2018 Fox News interview has resurfaced, highlighting a period in the 1980s when he was, to some, “mistaken” for African American. This perception wasn’t malicious but stemmed from a combination of his appearance and his genuine support for the Black community.
In the interview, Trebek recounted how his involvement with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) contributed to this humorous racial mix-up. He shared, “They came to me and asked if I would be willing to appear on their telethon, and I said, ‘Of course.'” This willingness to support the UNCF was just one aspect of his connection with the Black community. He continued, recalling an encounter with the legendary dancer Gregory Hines: “I went to do the program, and I ran into Gregory Hines, the dancer. Somebody came up to me afterwards, and they say, ‘I saw you and your brother talking a few minutes ago.’”
This anecdote highlights the context of the era. Trebek elaborated on his look at the time: “Now, keep in mind [that], at this stage in my career, I had the afro, I had the mustache, and a very dark tan. I’m out there in the Afro-American community as a ‘brother.’” His 1980s style, characterized by an afro and mustache, combined with a dark tan, led to some playfully considering him as part of the community, at least in appearance.
The resurfaced interview snippet has sparked a wave of humorous reactions on social media. Tweets reflecting on Trebek’s “honorary Black” status have gone viral. One tweet jokingly stated, “The gag is Alex Trebek has some Black in him somewhere,” juxtaposing images of a younger Trebek with his 80s look.
Another user humorously commented on his broad appeal within the Black community, writing, “Look, Alex Trebek made the home church’s prayer list back when he was sick. A brother indeed.” This tweet touches upon the deep affection and respect many felt for Trebek, transcending racial lines.
Comparisons to other figures within the Black community also emerged. One tweet playfully compared Trebek to a well-known figure, stating, “Alex Trebek looking like Stedman’s older brother [laugh out loud],” alongside side-by-side photos of Trebek and Stedman Graham, Oprah Winfrey’s partner.
Another tweet expressed a desire to delve into Trebek’s ancestry, remarking, “I’ll be honest, I would be curious to see a ‘Finding Your Roots’ episode with Alex Trebek ‘cause he looks like my Uncle Red.” This comment further emphasizes the lighthearted speculation about his background and the humorous embrace of him within the Black community.
Ultimately, Alex Trebek was not Black, but these viral reactions and the resurfaced interview highlight a fascinating and humorous cultural moment. It speaks to Trebek’s affable public persona, his support for causes important to the Black community, and the way in which popular culture can playfully blur racial lines. While definitively of Canadian and Ukrainian heritage, Alex Trebek, for a time in the 1980s and in the hearts of many online, achieved a sort of honorary membership within the “Black Delegation,” rooted in humor and genuine affection.
