Alex Trebek Health Crisis — Family Begs Him To Leave ‘Jeopardy!’

Alex Trebek was forced to halt filming on "Jeopardy!" at the end of 2017 — being rushed to brain surgery after years of his family pleading with him to leave the show!

The legendary host revealed that doctors had discovered blood clots in his brain after a fall in October, and finally postponed taping over the "slight medical problem." He also promised to return to his hosting duties "very, very soon." Insiders told The National ENQUIRER, however, that family members are desperate for Alex to finally retire!

Alex had his first heart attack in Dec. 2007 — when he was rushed by ambulance to the Cedars Sinai Medical Center after suffering excruciating chest pains. Doctors determined Trebek had suffered a minor heart attack, but fortunately he did not require surgery. He was quickly stabilized and kept under observation before being released three days later. "It was a wakeup call for Alex," a close source said at the time.

"He thought it was just a pinched nerve in his back," added his wife Jean in an exclusive ENQUIRER interview — adding that Alex insisted on walking into the emergency room as she parked the car: "When I walked into the hospital from the parking lot, the nurse told me Alex had a heart attack. The diagnosis was that fast. But we were so very lucky because there were no major blockages."

Alex would then suffer another heart attack in June 2012 — which is when sources reported that his family began begging for the star to retire in 2014 — marking 30 years of hosting his hit show. "His wife Jean has been begging Alex to retire for several years so they can enjoy the fruits of his hard work and success," said an insider. "Friends say he's pushing himself too hard, and no job is worth killing yourself for."

As revealed by The ENQUIRER, "Jeopardy!" producers have already started looking for Alex's replacement. Former "Meet the Press" host Dave Gregory has been singled out as a contender. Matt Lauer was also considered to take over the show before he was fired from "Today" over a series of sick sex scandals. And in a big twist, Tom Hanks has even expressed interest in hosting the show!