Jim Carrey’s Surprisingly Close Connection to ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek
Jim Carrey has never been shy about sharing his perspective. Especially in recent years, the actor has been famously candid about his own life and career. However, even Carrey’s most devoted fans might be shocked to learn his connection to the late Alex Trebek. Here’s how the Sonic the Hedgehog star and beloved Jeopardy! host are linked.
Some fans of Jim Carrey’s movies want the actor to host ‘Jeopardy!’
Trebek, of course, died tragically in 2020 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Until the end, he brought the same grace and dignity to his struggle as he did to Jeopardy! for decades. And while Trebek may be gone, his legacy isn’t. Likewise, Jeopardy! will continue on in some form. The question is who could possibly take over as host after Trebek’s indelible mark on the show.
Fans have long speculated what star could succeed Trebek as host. And much like Drew Carey stepped in to host The Price Is Right after Bob Barker retired, Jeopardy! fans are focused on comedic voices. Names like Will Ferrell — who impersonated Trebek for years on Saturday Night Live — and even Carrey have been mentioned as potential candidates.
Jim Carrey is actually related to the late ‘Jeopardy!’ host, Alex Trebek
On the one hand, Carrey is perhaps still too famous as a movie star. However, if the actor were to pivot into a role as Jeopardy! host, at least the gig would stay in the family. Much like Ryan Reynolds’ on-screen appearance during Trebek’s final episodes, Carrey would keep the show in the hands of a Canadian performer. But he and Trebek do have a shared lineage too.
According to EthniCelebs.com, Trebek and Carrey were actually third cousins. The two performers took very different paths to stardom. Yet, they shared a pair of great-great-grandparents on Trebek’s mother’s and Carrey’s father’s sides. It’s unclear if Trebek and Carrey were in contact over the years, particularly in light of Trebek’s illness.
Nevertheless, the connection puts new perspective on both their careers. And Carrey’s appearance during Saturday Night Live’s 40th-anniversary special is even funnier now. In that episode, Carrey impersonates Matthew McConaughey during a Celebrity Jeopardy! sketch led by Ferrell. Perhaps Carrey was even more inspired to participate due to his relation to Trebek.
Jim Carrey’s daughter, Jane, is a performer too
Even if Carrey and Trebek weren’t close, the actor has another family member in the entertainment industry: his daughter Jane. The child of Carrey and his first wife, Melissa Womer, she was born in 1987 and eventually formed The Jane Carrey Band.
Jane’s music was even featured in her father’s 2014 movie Dumb and Dumber To. And she appeared in an episode of his Showtime series Kidding. The thirst for performance is clearly genetic, as both father and daughter continue to share their talents with the world.
