Daytime Emmys salute TV icons Trebek, King
It was a family affair, with the children of Alex Trebek and Larry King accepting awards on their late fathers’ behalf.
LOS ANGELES >> The Daytime Emmys turned into a love letter to Alex Trebek, honoring the beloved “Jeopardy!” host and the show seven months after his death.
Trebek won as game show host and “Jeopardy!” earned game show honors.
Larry King, who died in January at age 87, won as informative talk show host for his eponymous show on Ora TV.
ABC’s “General Hospital” claimed four trophies, including best drama. Maurice Benard took lead actor honors for the third time as Sonny Corinthos.
Jacqueline MacInnes Wood of CBS’ “The Bold and the Beautiful” won as lead actress, adding to her trophy from two years ago for her role as Steffy Forrester.
It was a family affair, with the children of Trebek and King accepting on their late fathers’ behalf.
Trebek’s son, Matt, and daughter, Emily, stood behind the host’s podium on the quiz show’s set. Trebek died of pancreatic cancer in November at age 80.
“For as long as we can remember, he was always so proud to be a part of ‘Jeopardy!’, to work on a show that was based on knowledge, risk and the challenge — people had to think,” Trebek’s son said. “He loved every bit of it.”
Emily added, “He was always excited to go to work, even during his battle with cancer. He was so fortunate that he was able to do what he loved, and we know that he not once took it for granted.”
King’s sons, Chance and Cannon, accepted his award.
“This last season was a testament to his love for broadcasting,” Chance King said. “As much as he is gone, he is with us in our hearts forever.”
It was Trebek’s third straight victory and sixth overall in the category. He was nominated a record 32 times during his career.
Executive producer Mike Richards dedicated the best game show trophy to Trebek, who hosted for 37 years.
Kelly Clarkson’s eponymous talk show earned two trophies. The singer was honored as host, beating out daytime newcomer Drew Barrymore, among others, and the show won in the entertainment talk category.
Trebek was remembered in a special tribute segment, along with Regis Philbin and King. Philbin died last July at age 88.