Levar Burton stepped up to shoot his shot to be the next host of the popular game show Jeopardy.
Last week, Burton spoke to Entertainment Weekly about being the permanent replacement on the television show after beloved host Alex Trebek succumbed to pancreatic cancer in November last year at age 80. Trebek hosted the long-running game show for almost four decades.
“I’ve thought and thought and thought — I’ve asked friends and family to help me identify someone out there who’s more qualified for the job than I am,” the revered actor and host of widespread literacy show Reading Rainbow said. “I don’t believe there is anyone out there who is better suited for this job than me. And I will go to my grave believing that.”
“I think my whole career is an advertisement for being the host of Jeopardy,” he continued.
It’s no secret that Burton has had his eye on the prize since before Trebek’s passing.
The Star Trek: The Next Generation actor took to Twitter in September last year to express his feelings about what hosting the show meant to him.
“Not gonna lie, I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life to occupy the @Jeopardy host podium when Alex retires. #Jeopardy,” he wrote.
Not gonna lie, I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life to occupy the @Jeopardy host podium when Alex retires. #Jeopardy https://t.co/N1HrMTCaYI
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) September 22, 2020
One fan, in particular, was clearly picking up what Burton put down because he started a petition via Change.org to bring the entertainer’s dream to fruition.
The petition has garnered almost a quarter of a million signatures.
Twitter users added their support on the social media platform.
Ahem, @Jeopardy – @levarburton ALWAYS understands the assignment.#LevarForJeopardy pic.twitter.com/eahhwfpIvo
— Elizabeth Dagger (@elizabethdagger) April 7, 2021
We want the same thing LeVar Burton wants: for him to be #Jeopardy‘s new host. https://t.co/Wm4jGo4CSp
— Nerdist (@nerdist) April 7, 2021
OMG! #bydhttmwfi https://t.co/QZ2FZSlkwz
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 7, 2021
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 7, 2021
Show producers have not responded.
