Alex Trebek Looks at Africa through Hollywood's Eyes as Host of TCM's Friday Night Spotlight in October

Award-winning television host and passionate world traveller Alex Trebek is going to take classic movie fans on a trip through Africa, as seen through Hollywood's eyes, when he hosts Turner Classic Movies' (TCM) Friday Night Spotlight in October. Four Fridays during the month, the longtime host of Jeopardy! will introduce a collection of films set in the sprawling continent, from beloved classics like The African Queen (1951) and Casablanca (1942) to more contemporary favorites like Out of Africa (1985), The English Patient (1996) and, making its first appearance on TCM, Gorillas in the Mist (1988).

Each night of Friday Night Spotlight: Africa will center on a particular theme, beginning Friday, Oct. 3, with a night of films starring Humphrey Bogart, including Sahara (1943) and Beat the Devil (1953), along with Casablanca and The African Queen. TCM and Trebek will explore movies about political turmoil in Africa on Friday, Oct. 10, with such memorable films as Khartoum (1966), The Battle of Algiers (1966) and Zulu Dawn (1979).

African adventures will take center stage on Friday, Oct. 17, with a lineup that includes the colorful King Solomon's Mines (1950), the early talkie Trader Horn (1931) and the saga of explorer Richard Burton's search for the source of the Nile in Mountains of the Moon (1990), making its TCM debut. The final night of TCM's Friday Night Spotlight: Africa will focus on women in Africa, with Out of Africa, Gorillas in the Mist and The English Patient joined by the thrilling adventure Tarzan and His Mate (1934). A complete schedule for TCM's Friday Night Spotlight: Africa is included below.

Alex Trebek is a good friend of TCM. Last year, he joined thousands of TCM fans aboard two TCM Classic Cruises and is set to join the this year's voyage, which takes place Oct. 21-26. And earlier this year, he introduced the epic film Zulu (1964) at the 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival.

Trebek has hosted nearly 7,000 episodes of Jeopardy! since its syndicated debut in 1984. Over the past 31 years, he has become one of television's most enduring and iconic figures, engaging millions of viewers worldwide with his impeccable delivery of "answers and questions."

In 2013, Trebek was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame, and he was also honored as one of the "Giants of Broadcasting," a designation awarded by the Library of American Broadcasting. Trebek and JEOPARDY! received the Peabody Award in 2011 for "encouraging, celebrating and rewarding knowledge." That same year, Trebek received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Additionally, Trebek has won five Daytime Emmys® for Outstanding Game Show Host.

Born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario, Trebek earned two degrees in philosophy from the University of Ottawa. Interested in a broadcasting news career, he joined the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC), covering national news and special events for radio and television. With the growing popularity of game shows, he eventually segued into the role of host.

Trebek made his American television debut in 1973 as the host of the NBC game show Wizard of Odds. After several other hosting roles, Trebek was chosen to host Jeopardy! He was a hit with viewers and quickly became a pop culture icon. He has been honored with a coveted star on both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Canadian Walk of Fame in Toronto, making him one of only a handful of entertainers honored by both the United States and Canada. In 2013, Trebek was ranked #8 in a Reader's Digest poll of the 100 Most Trusted People in America.

In addition to his hosting duties, Trebek has a long-standing commitment with numerous charities and educational organizations. In 2013, he was awarded the Alexander Graham Bell medal from the National Geographic Society for his 25 years as host of the National Geographic Bee.

Trebek has participated in 13 USO tours and was a recipient of the USO Bob Hope Award for his achievements in entertainment and commitment to America's troops. With World Vision, Trebek has traveled to many Third World countries reporting on the group's efforts on behalf of children around the world. He has traveled with his family to Zambia, where he adopted a village and helped build a school, homes for teachers and a medical facility.

Friday, Oct. 3 - Bogart in Africa

8 p.m. - The African Queen (1951)
10 p.m. - Sahara (1943)
Midnight - Beat the Devil (1953)
2 a.m. - Casablanca (1942)

Friday, Oct. 10 - Political Turmoil

8 p.m. - Khartoum (1966)
10:15 p.m. - Something of Value (1957)
12:15 a.m. - The Battle of Algiers (1966)
2:30 a.m. - Zulu Dawn (1979)
4:30 a.m. - Sanders of the River (1935)

Friday, Oct. 17 - African Adventures

8 p.m. - King Solomon's Mines (1950)
10 p.m. - Trader Horn (1931)
12:15 a.m. - Mountains of the Moon (1990) - TCM Premiere
2:45 a.m. - The Macomber Affair (1947)
4:30 a.m. - Mogambo (1953)
 

Friday, Oct. 24 - Women in Africa

8 p.m. - Out of Africa (1985)
10:45 p.m. - Gorillas in the Mist (1988) - TCM Premiere
1 a.m. - The English Patient (1996)
4 a.m. - Tarzan and His Mate (1934)

(All Times Eastern)