Kristin Bjorklund, who worked on the game show Family Feud for more than 40 years, most recently as co-executive producer, has died. She was 67.
Bjorklund died Sunday in Phoenix from sepsis after undergoing a kidney transplant, her friend Diane Hamilton announced. She had been on a transplant waiting list for years.
Bjorklund was “my co-worker, my buddy, my sister from another mister,” Brian Hawley, her fellow co-executive producer on Family Feud, wrote. “She could be feisty, strong-willed and oh-so-anal, but she had a fun, raunchy sense of humor, and there was nothing better than hearing her laugh.”
Born in Mineola, New York, on July 8, 1955, Bjorklund graduated from Dartmouth College in 1977 and began her career at game show giant Goodson-Todman Productions before starting on Family Feud in 1982.
She held the title of co-executive producer since 2002 and shared a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding game show in 2019 (she was nominated six times in all). Along the way,...
Bjorklund died Sunday in Phoenix from sepsis after undergoing a kidney transplant, her friend Diane Hamilton announced. She had been on a transplant waiting list for years.
Bjorklund was “my co-worker, my buddy, my sister from another mister,” Brian Hawley, her fellow co-executive producer on Family Feud, wrote. “She could be feisty, strong-willed and oh-so-anal, but she had a fun, raunchy sense of humor, and there was nothing better than hearing her laugh.”
Born in Mineola, New York, on July 8, 1955, Bjorklund graduated from Dartmouth College in 1977 and began her career at game show giant Goodson-Todman Productions before starting on Family Feud in 1982.
She held the title of co-executive producer since 2002 and shared a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding game show in 2019 (she was nominated six times in all). Along the way,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jonathan Littman, who helped launch Jerry Bruckheimer Television and has led the prolific TV company for the past 25 years, most recently as CEO, is leaving and plans to launch his own production company. Under Littman’s exit agreement, he will stay involved in several of Jbtv’s series, including CSI: Vegas and The Amazing Race, which are the very first two Jbtv series (or a followup in the case of Vegas) to get on the air.
There is no word on replacement yet. Littman’s departure leaves KristieAnne Reed as the most senior executive at Jbtv.
“The last 25 years have been the ride of a lifetime and stepping away was a difficult decision. Having just celebrated our 25th anniversary and given the stability of our incredible executive team, this felt like the right time to step off and pursue a growing desire of mine to start my own company,” said Littman.
There is no word on replacement yet. Littman’s departure leaves KristieAnne Reed as the most senior executive at Jbtv.
“The last 25 years have been the ride of a lifetime and stepping away was a difficult decision. Having just celebrated our 25th anniversary and given the stability of our incredible executive team, this felt like the right time to step off and pursue a growing desire of mine to start my own company,” said Littman.
- 6/3/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
The late Alex Trebek was honored with one more Daytime Emmy Award on Friday night, marking the Jeopardy! vet’s third consecutive win for Outstanding Game Show host and his eighth overall.
Trebek’s adult children, Matt and Emily, accepted the award on his behalf, during the CBS telecast.
More from TVLineDaytime Emmys Apologize for Wrongly Identifying Y&r Actress Marguerite Ray During In Memoriam SegmentTV Ratings: Daytime Emmys Slip, Olympic Trials Dominate FridaySavannah Guthrie's Jeopardy! Stint Set to End -- How Does She Stack Up Against Her Guest Host Competition?
“We are so honored to accept this award on behalf of our dad,...
Trebek’s adult children, Matt and Emily, accepted the award on his behalf, during the CBS telecast.
More from TVLineDaytime Emmys Apologize for Wrongly Identifying Y&r Actress Marguerite Ray During In Memoriam SegmentTV Ratings: Daytime Emmys Slip, Olympic Trials Dominate FridaySavannah Guthrie's Jeopardy! Stint Set to End -- How Does She Stack Up Against Her Guest Host Competition?
“We are so honored to accept this award on behalf of our dad,...
- 6/26/2021
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Deadline brings us some very sad news today, as Alex Trebek, longtime host of popular quiz show Jeopardy!, has passed away at the age of 80 after a brave battle against cancer.
As you may know, the popular TV personality had stage 4 pancreatic cancer and went public about it back in March 2019. Despite his illness, he was still under contract with the series until 2022 and continued to do tapings and make media appearances while fighting for his life.
Also having hosted such shows as The Wizard of Odds, Double Dare, High Rollers, Battlestars, Classic Concentration and To Tell The Truth, Trebek was a popular and celebrated figure in the world of television, earning 31 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host and winning 7 times. Not to mention he also received a Peabody Award for “encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge” and, of course, inspired millions with his battle against cancer.
As you may know, the popular TV personality had stage 4 pancreatic cancer and went public about it back in March 2019. Despite his illness, he was still under contract with the series until 2022 and continued to do tapings and make media appearances while fighting for his life.
Also having hosted such shows as The Wizard of Odds, Double Dare, High Rollers, Battlestars, Classic Concentration and To Tell The Truth, Trebek was a popular and celebrated figure in the world of television, earning 31 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host and winning 7 times. Not to mention he also received a Peabody Award for “encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge” and, of course, inspired millions with his battle against cancer.
- 11/8/2020
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
Alex Trebek, the longtime host of television quiz show Jeopardy! who inspired millions with his brave public battle against pancreatic cancer, has died. He was 80 and died at home, according to a spokesperson.
Trebek had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and went public about his condition in March 2019, updating fans on his condition via social media and frequent interviews.
Trebek became host of Jeopardy! upon its revival in 1984. He was under contract until 2022, and pressed on with tapings and media appearances throughout his illness, saying the interactions with the show and his fans were helping him cope.
Jeopardy! recently began Trebek’s 37th season as show host. Earlier this year, he was aboard for the show’s high-rated “Greatest of All-Time” tournament on prime-time television. The tournament was won by Ken Jennings, whom some have speculated as the host who will take over from Trebek.
Trebek-hosted episodes will air through December 25th.
Trebek had stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and went public about his condition in March 2019, updating fans on his condition via social media and frequent interviews.
Trebek became host of Jeopardy! upon its revival in 1984. He was under contract until 2022, and pressed on with tapings and media appearances throughout his illness, saying the interactions with the show and his fans were helping him cope.
Jeopardy! recently began Trebek’s 37th season as show host. Earlier this year, he was aboard for the show’s high-rated “Greatest of All-Time” tournament on prime-time television. The tournament was won by Ken Jennings, whom some have speculated as the host who will take over from Trebek.
Trebek-hosted episodes will air through December 25th.
- 11/8/2020
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Alex Trebek, the long-running host of the iconic trivia gameshow “Jeopardy” has died, the show announced Sunday afternoon. He was 80.
Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex. pic.twitter.com/Yk2a90CHIM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 8, 2020
Trebek had been courageously documenting his life with cancer after being diagnosed in March 2019. He attended the TCM Classic Movies Film Festival in April of that year, giving a heartfelt and emotional introduction to the feature “Wuthering Heights.” He celebrated one year of fighting cancer — prognosis for survival after 12 months is usually 18% — in March 2020. Because of the global health pandemic, and to protect Trebek, the game show filmed without audiences before production was suspended indefinitely.
Alex Trebek was born George Alexander Trebek in Ontario, Canada on July 22, 1940. He started working at the young age of 13 as a...
Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex. pic.twitter.com/Yk2a90CHIM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 8, 2020
Trebek had been courageously documenting his life with cancer after being diagnosed in March 2019. He attended the TCM Classic Movies Film Festival in April of that year, giving a heartfelt and emotional introduction to the feature “Wuthering Heights.” He celebrated one year of fighting cancer — prognosis for survival after 12 months is usually 18% — in March 2020. Because of the global health pandemic, and to protect Trebek, the game show filmed without audiences before production was suspended indefinitely.
Alex Trebek was born George Alexander Trebek in Ontario, Canada on July 22, 1940. He started working at the young age of 13 as a...
- 11/8/2020
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Alex Trebek, television’s consummate quizmaster and the host of Jeopardy! for 35 years, died Sunday morning at the age of 80 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
“Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” the show tweeted. “Thank you, Alex.”
Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex. pic.twitter.com/Yk2a90CHIM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 8, 2020
Trebek revealed his pancreatic...
“Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” the show tweeted. “Thank you, Alex.”
Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex. pic.twitter.com/Yk2a90CHIM
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 8, 2020
Trebek revealed his pancreatic...
- 11/8/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Alex Trebek, longtime “Jeopardy!” host and TV personality, has died after battling pancreatic cancer, a show spokesperson has confirmed. He was 80.
“Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex,” the show’s official website announced Sunday.
“Jeopardy!” episodes hosted by Trebek will air through Dec. 25, 2020 (his last day in the studio was Oct. 29). The show is not announcing plans for a new host at this time.
Trebek revealed in March 2019 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, but vowed to battle the disease. The news of his diagnosis came just months after Trebek renewed his contract with Sony Pictures Television to stay on as host of “Jeopardy!” through 2022. After undergoing treatment, Trebek announced in May that he was in “near remission.”
He returned to hosting “Jeopardy!” that August, but announced in September...
“Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex,” the show’s official website announced Sunday.
“Jeopardy!” episodes hosted by Trebek will air through Dec. 25, 2020 (his last day in the studio was Oct. 29). The show is not announcing plans for a new host at this time.
Trebek revealed in March 2019 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, but vowed to battle the disease. The news of his diagnosis came just months after Trebek renewed his contract with Sony Pictures Television to stay on as host of “Jeopardy!” through 2022. After undergoing treatment, Trebek announced in May that he was in “near remission.”
He returned to hosting “Jeopardy!” that August, but announced in September...
- 11/8/2020
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Hugh Downs, a veteran broadcaster who is perhaps best known for co-anchoring 20/20 with Barbara Walters during the ABC newsmagazine’s heyday, died on July 1 at his Scottsdale, Ariz. home. He was 99.
According to the Washington Post, Downs’ great-niece Molly Shaheen said that the cause of death was a heart ailment, and that Downs did not have Covid-19.
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After starting out his broadcasting career on radio,...
According to the Washington Post, Downs’ great-niece Molly Shaheen said that the cause of death was a heart ailment, and that Downs did not have Covid-19.
More from TVLineHoda Kotb Breaks Down Following Coronavirus Interview on Today -- Watch Emotional VideoToday's Savannah Guthrie Stays Home, Works Out of Basement Amid Coronavirus Concerns -- Watch VideoToday Hosts Sit Out Monday's Show After Staffer's Covid-19 Diagnosis
After starting out his broadcasting career on radio,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Hugh Downs, anchorman for the ABC news program “20/20” and, before that, NBC’s “The Today Show,” died Wednesday in Scottsdale, Ariz. He was 99.
Downs’ career in broadcasting spanned more than half a century. And despite his assertion “I am not a talent, I am a personality,” Downs proved a first-rate interviewer and journalist time and again. His personality was ingratiating and low-key; well into his 70s, his pleasant demeanor made him a welcome guest in the nation’s living rooms. With Barbara Walters, his co-host on both “Today” and “20/20,” he formed one of the most complementary partnerships in television news programming.
Prior to “Today,” Downs made a name for himself as emcee of the quizshow “Concentration” and as sage in residence on the Jack Paar “Tonight Show.”
After early work in radio and TV, Downs moved to New York in 1954 to join Arlene Francis on NBC’s “Home” show,...
Downs’ career in broadcasting spanned more than half a century. And despite his assertion “I am not a talent, I am a personality,” Downs proved a first-rate interviewer and journalist time and again. His personality was ingratiating and low-key; well into his 70s, his pleasant demeanor made him a welcome guest in the nation’s living rooms. With Barbara Walters, his co-host on both “Today” and “20/20,” he formed one of the most complementary partnerships in television news programming.
Prior to “Today,” Downs made a name for himself as emcee of the quizshow “Concentration” and as sage in residence on the Jack Paar “Tonight Show.”
After early work in radio and TV, Downs moved to New York in 1954 to join Arlene Francis on NBC’s “Home” show,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Carmel Dagan
- Variety Film + TV
Hugh Downs, who began appearing on television at the dawn of the medium and gained fame as co-host of 20/20, host of Today and as Jack Paar’s sidekick on the Tonight Show, has died.
The Washington Post and New York Times cited a statement from Downs’ family in reporting his death on July 1 at his home in Scottsdale, Az. The cause was reported to be a heart ailment, and not related to Covid-19.
Downs appeared on air for more than 10,000 hours, which was a record until Regis Philbin eclipsed it in the 2000s. He officially signed off in 1999 after more than a half-century on the air.
Viewers in the 1980s and 1990s got to know Downs during his long co-hosting stint with Barbara Walters on ABC’s 20/20. In her 2008 memoir, Audition, the Post recalled, Walters noted their different approaches but also her fondness for Downs.
“Hugh and I had different personalities and different styles,...
The Washington Post and New York Times cited a statement from Downs’ family in reporting his death on July 1 at his home in Scottsdale, Az. The cause was reported to be a heart ailment, and not related to Covid-19.
Downs appeared on air for more than 10,000 hours, which was a record until Regis Philbin eclipsed it in the 2000s. He officially signed off in 1999 after more than a half-century on the air.
Viewers in the 1980s and 1990s got to know Downs during his long co-hosting stint with Barbara Walters on ABC’s 20/20. In her 2008 memoir, Audition, the Post recalled, Walters noted their different approaches but also her fondness for Downs.
“Hugh and I had different personalities and different styles,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Hugh Downs, the legendary TV broadcaster whose career has spanned more than six decades, died on Wednesday. He was 99.
A great-niece, Molly Shaheen, confirmed his death to local news in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Downs had been living. Sheehan and Downs reps did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for confirmation.
Downs was best known for co-anchoring “20/20” with Barbara Walters from the show’s second episode in 1978 until his retirement in 1999. His lengthy broadcast career also includes work on “Today Show,” “Concentration” and “Tonight Starring Jack Paar”.
Also Read: Danny Hicks, 'Evil Dead II' and 'Darkman' Actor, Dies at 68
He first served as the announcer for “Hawkins Falls” — the first successful television soap opera — in 1950. In 1957, he replaced Franklin Pangborn as the announcer of “The Tonight Show” with host Jack Parr. (Parr was the predecessor to Johnny Carson.)
In 1958, Downs began hosting the game show “Concentration,...
A great-niece, Molly Shaheen, confirmed his death to local news in Scottsdale, Arizona, where Downs had been living. Sheehan and Downs reps did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for confirmation.
Downs was best known for co-anchoring “20/20” with Barbara Walters from the show’s second episode in 1978 until his retirement in 1999. His lengthy broadcast career also includes work on “Today Show,” “Concentration” and “Tonight Starring Jack Paar”.
Also Read: Danny Hicks, 'Evil Dead II' and 'Darkman' Actor, Dies at 68
He first served as the announcer for “Hawkins Falls” — the first successful television soap opera — in 1950. In 1957, he replaced Franklin Pangborn as the announcer of “The Tonight Show” with host Jack Parr. (Parr was the predecessor to Johnny Carson.)
In 1958, Downs began hosting the game show “Concentration,...
- 7/2/2020
- by Tim Baysinger and Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Hugh Downs, the congenial broadcaster whose thousands of hours on network television included two decades on the ABC primetime newsmagazine 20/20 and nine years as the head man on NBC’s Today show, has died. He was 99.
Downs, who also served as Jack Paar’s announcer/sidekick for five years on The Tonight Show and hosted the game show Concentration for almost a decade, died Wednesday at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, his family said in a statement.
After getting his start on radio stations in the Midwest, Downs was the announcer on the legendary children’s puppet series Kukla, Fran and Ollie and on ...
Downs, who also served as Jack Paar’s announcer/sidekick for five years on The Tonight Show and hosted the game show Concentration for almost a decade, died Wednesday at his home in Scottsdale, Arizona, his family said in a statement.
After getting his start on radio stations in the Midwest, Downs was the announcer on the legendary children’s puppet series Kukla, Fran and Ollie and on ...
All the world is a game and we are merely players! The Bard will probably disagree with that assessment, but game shows and panel series have been a staple on both radio and television. And they are going strong today.
In fact, there is the Gsn cable network, as well as Buzzr which features such series as “Password,” “Family Feud,” “Tattletales” and “Classic Concentration.” “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” are still among the top syndicated series and CBS’ daytime “The Price is Right” is heading toward its fifth decade of people coming on down. And ABC is back for its summer of deja “view” with new versions of such series as “Match Game,” “To Tell the Truth,” “Press Your Luck” and “Family Feud.” The network also scored with a limited return of its 20-plus-year old “Who Wants to Be Millionaire” with host Jimmy Kimmel.
Back in the 1950s, contestants became stars like Dr.
In fact, there is the Gsn cable network, as well as Buzzr which features such series as “Password,” “Family Feud,” “Tattletales” and “Classic Concentration.” “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” are still among the top syndicated series and CBS’ daytime “The Price is Right” is heading toward its fifth decade of people coming on down. And ABC is back for its summer of deja “view” with new versions of such series as “Match Game,” “To Tell the Truth,” “Press Your Luck” and “Family Feud.” The network also scored with a limited return of its 20-plus-year old “Who Wants to Be Millionaire” with host Jimmy Kimmel.
Back in the 1950s, contestants became stars like Dr.
- 6/12/2020
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
It’s all happening! The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced the nominees for the 47th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on Thursday, honoring individuals in 100 categories and presented to individuals and programs broadcast between 2 a.m. and 6 p.m., in addition to similar content available in syndicated and digital programming.
“Now more than ever, daytime television provides a source of comfort and continuity made possible by these nominees’ dedicated efforts and sense of community,” said President & CEO of NATAS Adam Sharp. “Their commitment to excellence and demonstrated love for their audience never cease to brighten our days, and we are delighted to join with CBS in celebrating their talents.”
The two-hour awards ceremony will be broadcast on Friday, June 26 at 8 p.m – 10 p.m., Et/Pt on CBS, though in a different format than ever before. The event will present awards in leading categories during the broadcast, with...
“Now more than ever, daytime television provides a source of comfort and continuity made possible by these nominees’ dedicated efforts and sense of community,” said President & CEO of NATAS Adam Sharp. “Their commitment to excellence and demonstrated love for their audience never cease to brighten our days, and we are delighted to join with CBS in celebrating their talents.”
The two-hour awards ceremony will be broadcast on Friday, June 26 at 8 p.m – 10 p.m., Et/Pt on CBS, though in a different format than ever before. The event will present awards in leading categories during the broadcast, with...
- 5/21/2020
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Big bucks, expensive vowels, and a million cackling Whammies.
The Daytime Emmys are this Sunday, and for the first time ever, there’s a gay nominee for Best Game Show Host — the marvelous and frightfully funny Billy Eichner. Wahoo! To celebrate, let’s rank the 25 best game shows of all time. Get out your purse and prepare to buy some vowels, gents.
25. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?: Sorry Double Dare, but Carmen Sandiego is the greatest kids’ game ever. It made geography cool while highlighting the glamorous felonies of a femme fatale. I wish more TV shows concluded with the entire cast yelling in unison, “Do it, Rockapella!”
24. Let’s Make a Deal: Carol Merrill and Monty Hall could woo you into anything. Though if you’re already wearing a chicken outfit, you probably don’t need much coercing.
23. Sale of the Century: Jim Perry...
The Daytime Emmys are this Sunday, and for the first time ever, there’s a gay nominee for Best Game Show Host — the marvelous and frightfully funny Billy Eichner. Wahoo! To celebrate, let’s rank the 25 best game shows of all time. Get out your purse and prepare to buy some vowels, gents.
25. Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?: Sorry Double Dare, but Carmen Sandiego is the greatest kids’ game ever. It made geography cool while highlighting the glamorous felonies of a femme fatale. I wish more TV shows concluded with the entire cast yelling in unison, “Do it, Rockapella!”
24. Let’s Make a Deal: Carol Merrill and Monty Hall could woo you into anything. Though if you’re already wearing a chicken outfit, you probably don’t need much coercing.
23. Sale of the Century: Jim Perry...
- 6/14/2013
- by Louis Virtel
- The Backlot
Two old game shows are getting modern face-lifts as of today: Name That Tune is poised for a comeback, and Nickelodeon has ordered 40 episodes of a revamped Figure It Out. But why stop there? There are so many game shows that deserve another chance. Press Your Luck, for starters (though maybe randomize the board this time?), or Classic Concentration? Supermarket Sweep? The less classic but still wonderful Beat the Geeks? Rock and Roll Jeopardy? Legends of the Hidden Temple? Bumper Stumpers? What defunct game show would you revive?...
- 3/7/2012
- by Margaret Lyons
- Vulture
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