‘We love you, Alex!’ Contestant on ‘Jeopardy!’ reveals story behind the answer

By: Ellie Romano

Email: ERomano@ABC6.com

Twitter: @ERomanoABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) –  “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek got choked up when he read the final response from a Brown University student who wanted to show support as he battles pancreatic cancer.

The emotional moment came in Monday’s episode when Trebek read Dhruv Gaur’s final answer.

Instead of writing a correct response, Gaur wrote: “We love you, Alex!” He substituted a heart in place of the word love.

Trebek’s voice cracked slightly as he thanked Gaur, telling him, “That’s very kind.”

The episode aired Monday but was filled in September, shortly after Trebek announced he had resumed chemotherapy.

Guar opened up to ABC6 about what motivated him to write the touching tribute.

“He had just announced that he was going back into chemotherapy for his pancreatic cancer,” said Guar. “He told us contestants that he wasn’t doing super well and we were all feeling for him.”

So when Guar didn’t know the final answer, he took the opportunity to try and cheer Trebek up.  

“I just had a moment to tell him what I wanted to say, so I took it,” said Guar. “When I got a little bit of a reaction from Trebek I was surprised… I knew it was really hitting home for him.”

Guar’s act of kindness quickly blew up on social media.

“I was completely floored with the attention it got on social media,” said Guar. “I didn’t think other people would run with it as much as they did.”

Gaur was eliminated in the semifinals for the Tournament of Champions. 

“It’s still really surreal to me that I got to be a part of this show that I love,” said Guar.

He’s using his newfound attention to promote pancreatic cancer research.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019