In Passing: Alex Trebek

On a personal note, I mark the passing of Alex Trebek, the long-running host of the TV quiz show Jeopardy! for 36 years who died at the age of 80 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

I started watching the Merv Griffin-produced show in the 1980s and have been hooked ever since, learning much on the American Civil War from the broadcasts.

When I was a guest on Sir Richard Branson’s inaugural Virgin Atlantic flight to Los Angeles, I also played cricket with Trebek at Will Rogers State Park in Pacific Palisades.

A most charming and erudite man…

Sightings: Actor Orlando Bloom getting takeout at Pierre Lafond… Rob Lowe and son Matthew checking out the surf at Miramar Beach… Actor Dennis Quaid and wife Laura Savoie strolling on State Street