Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek’s positivity about his cancer diagnosis had been consistent, at least when he was facing the public. But in his new memoir, “The Answer Is … Reflections on My Life,” Trebek admitted he has struggled with suicidal thoughts.
The publication of the book comes after he publicly addressed TV viewers last week to say treatment for his Stage IV pancreatic cancer was “paying off.”
Though he seems stressed by the challenges of so much public attention amid a fight against cancer, Trebek said his star status was also a factor in his decision to continue his treatment. He didn’t want to disappoint.
Here’s what Trebek, 80, said of his mental health struggles in an interview with the Boston Herald:
“You can’t be telling people ‘Keep your chin up, fight on!’ and then all of a sudden you counter that by: ‘What happened to Trebek?’ ‘Oh, he killed himself. He just got too discouraged. Well, hell, he was telling us to be positive. And then he did this negative thing.’ So, yeah. That’s the responsibility that has bothered me.”
Trebek’s memoir, which published Tuesday, is dedicated to “those who are hoping to become survivors.” It’s not a full autobiography of his life, but instead includes “a series of quick look-ins,” Trebek said. It paints a picture of his habits, routines and day-to-day life, but it sounds like Trebek’s honesty about his fight against cancer may be what fascinates and moves readers the most. He is candid about his wide range of emotions in a way that he hasn’t been previously.
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