There's no denying there are massive shoes to fill when it comes to hosting Jeopardy!. Not only is the show itself pretty much an institution that millions of us watch every day, but it was also hosted by a beloved figure for decades. Alex Trebek was the perfect fit for the job, and for now, the decision is still up in the air.
LeVar Burton Says 'It Will Hurt' If He Doesn't Land 'Jeopardy!' Hosting Gig
As viewers of the show know, the rotation of celebrity guest hosts has been fun — but it can't last forever.
While the fan favorites include Katie Couric, Aaron Rodgers, Mayim Bialik, and Ken Jennings, there is still one highly anticipated guest host that fans are eagerly waiting to see.
LEVAR BURTON!
Known best for his role in *Star Trek* and as the host of *The Reading Rainbow*, LeVar has been petitioning to host for a while now.
Finally, fans will get to see the 64-year-old take a crack at the gig next month.
Now, in a new interview, the beloved TV personality is opening up about what the opportunity means for him.
While speaking with *New York Times Magazine*, LeVar was asked how tough it would be if he doesn't get the full-time hosting job.
"It will hurt. I'm not going to lie," he admitted. "But if that happens, I will get over it. I will be fine. Remember: Everything happens perfectly and for a reason. That is my default. It's all going to be OK. Because it always is."
LeVar shared that he's been a long time fan of the show, and of Alex Trebek.
"It's difficult to explain, but there's something inside me that says this makes sense," he told the publication. "I feel like this is what I'm supposed to do. I have been watching Jeopardy! more or less every night of my life since Art Fleming was host."
"*Jeopardy!* is a cultural touchstone, and for a Black man to occupy that podium is significant," he continued.
"Look, I have had a career for the [expletive] ages. Roots, Star Trek, Reading Rainbow. Won a Grammy. Got a shelf full of Emmys. I'm a storyteller, and game shows are tremendous stories. There's a contest, there's comedy, there's drama. If you don't know your [expletive] on Jeopardy! you're sunk in full view of the entire nation. The stakes are high. I love that."
I really would love to see LeVar take this role head-on!
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