Hey there, let's dive into the personal life of the legendary Alex Trebek, the beloved host of Jeopardy! Alex was married to his wife, Jean Currivan Trebek, for an incredible 30 years, right up until his passing in November 2020. But before Jean, Alex had another significant relationship with his first wife, Elaine Trebek Kares, during the '70s. This was a chapter of his life that deserves a closer look, especially since it happened well before his iconic run on Jeopardy! began in 1984.
Long before he became a household name, Alex was carving out a career in Canada, working in radio and hosting a game show called The Wizards of Odds. It was during this time, in 1974, that he married Elaine. The two were together for over seven years, building a life together before eventually going their separate ways in 1981. After parting ways with Elaine, Alex found love again with Jean, a former real estate project manager. The two tied the knot in 1990, and their union proved to be a lasting one.
Through their 30-year marriage, Alex and Jean created a beautiful family, welcoming two children, Matthew and Emily. They shared countless milestones and cherished moments together. Jean was not just a loving partner but also a rock for Alex during the toughest times. When Alex was diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer, Jean stood by him unwaveringly. A close friend of the couple revealed that Alex often credited Jean for helping him fight through his battle with cancer. "There were some very dark days when he just wanted to give up, but she has a way of lifting his spirits," the friend shared. "She makes him smile when he least expects it. He says he’s only beaten the odds this long because of his wife’s daily support."
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Curious to know more about Alex’s first wife, Elaine? Keep reading below!
Alex and Elaine: A Seven-Year Journey
Elaine and Alex were married for seven years, from 1974 until 1981. During their time together, they didn’t have any children, but Alex did become the adoptive father of Elaine’s daughter, Nicky Callei, from her previous marriage to Louis Callei. This period marked a significant chapter in Alex’s life, shaping who he was before he became the iconic figure we all knew and loved.
Elaine's Career: A Woman of Many Talents
Elaine is a true entrepreneur, owning several successful companies. Among her ventures are Scent Seal, a perfume packaging shop; Mag-A-Music, a multimedia music distributor; and Gallery GO, an art gallery based in Los Angeles. But Elaine’s career wasn’t always in business. She’s had quite the journey, working as a Canadian talk show host, a party planner, and even as a Playboy bunny. Elaine’s diverse career speaks to her adaptability and drive.
Elaine's Love Life After Alex
After her marriage to Alex ended, Elaine didn’t stay single for long. In 2001, she remarried, this time to film producer Peter Kares. Their union has proven to be a lasting one, with Peter even being a co-founder of some of Elaine’s companies. Before Alex, Elaine was married to her first husband, Louis Callei, with whom she tied the knot in 1963. Details on when they parted ways are a bit murky, but it’s clear that Elaine has always had a knack for finding love.
Elaine's Roots: From Ohio to Hollywood
Elaine was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. Her journey took her to Toronto, Canada, where she ran a party-planning business and eventually transitioned into TV hosting. Later, she moved back to the United States with Alex to support his burgeoning career. Today, Elaine resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Peter, continuing to thrive in her various ventures.
Alex and Nicky: A Lifelong Bond
Even after his divorce from Elaine, Alex maintained a close relationship with Nicky, Elaine’s daughter. Nicky, who still uses Alex’s last name, worked on the production side of Jeopardy! and other TV specials and films. In addition to her work in television, Nicky has also dabbled in modeling, gracing the pages of Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour. Beyond that, she’s a talented singer and songwriter, proving that she’s just as multi-faceted as her mom!
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