Alex Trebek took some time out of taping the 35th season of "Jeopardy!" to update fans and express his gratitude for their support since he announced in March that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
"Some of you may recall that at the beginning of this season I promised you that we had some surprises in store for you," he said in a video statement uploaded to the quiz show's YouTube page. "Well, of course, I had no idea at that time that there were some surprises in store for me as well."
Related: 'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer
“I wanted to once again thank you for your continuing messages of encouragement and support, particularly the many cards I’ve received from young people. I’m touched beyond words.
“I’ve always tried to be straight with you and I’m not going to stop now,” he said. “So despite what you may have heard, I’m feeling good. I’m continuing with my therapy and we -- by we, the staff -- is already working on our next season.”
Related: Alex Trebek returns to taping 'Jeopardy!' after revealing cancer diagnosis
By therapy, Trebek didn’t explicitly say that he was undergoing chemotherapy, but remains optimistic and expects to return for the show’s 36th season, which starts taping in July and begins airing in September.
“I look forward to seeing you once again in September with all kinds of good stuff,” he said.
Related: 'Jeopardy!' winner sets new one-day record again, wins $131K in single game
Trebek vowed to fight the cancer, despite the statistically poor prognosis of beating the disease. He joked that he was contractually obligated to do so.
“Under the terms of my contract, I have to host ‘Jeopardy!’ for three more years!” he said. “So help me. Keep the faith and we’ll win. We’ll get it done.”
Credit: Presley Ann
Credit: Presley Ann
On March 12, a week after the announcement, he was back at the Sony Pictures lot in Culver City, California, to tape episodes.
Watch Trebek's message in the video below.
