Ryan Reynolds has nothing but kind memories of the late Alex Trebek, who recently passed away from pancreatic cancer.
Speaking with Extra, the Hollywood titan, 44, recalled the last time he spoke with the Jeopardy! host. "It forces you to look around a little bit and see the people and the faces that are in our lives every day and really remember not to taking them for granted," the actor admitted to Extra's Nate Burleson. "I was talking to Alex on the phone two months ago, and that was amazing then, just like that, he was gone."
Reynolds spoke with Trebek because the beloved TV icon asked him to appear on an upcoming episode, a booking that the star had made "a number of times" in the past. "I was shooting in Atlanta and was unable to do it," the actor continued. "When you speak with people like that — that you grew up watching and suddenly you are talking to them on the phone-- you start to reflect."
Reynolds went on to emphasize that "tomorrow is not a given" and advised viewers to do what they can to cherish loves ones. "Hug them tight, the people in your life. It was really shocking and sad," he said. "Obviously, he was sick and it wasn’t totally, wildly unexpected. It's still heartbreaking nonetheless. It's absolutely gut-wrenching."
Prior to the reveal, Reynolds had paid tribute to Trebek via Twittter, writing, "Alex Trebek was kind enough to film a cameo for our film Free Guy last year despite his battle. He was gracious and funny. In addition to being curious, stalwart, generous, reassuring and of course, Canadian. We love you, Alex. And always will."
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