While admitting that it will 'hurt' to get passed over the position to replace late Alex Trebek, the 'Star Trek' actor believes he 'will get over it' and 'will be fine.'

• Jun 29, 2021

AceShowbiz - LeVar Burton has made it clear that becoming a permanent host of "Jeopardy!" means a lot to him. On the reason why he should be picked as Alex Trebek's replacement to host the hit game show, the "Star Trek" actor believed that's the thing he's "supposed to do."

"It's difficult to explain, but there's something inside me that says this makes sense. I feel like this is what I'm supposed to do," the 64-year-old said in an interview with The New York Times. "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."

"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," he added. "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."

While admitting that he will be disappointed if he gets passed over the position, LeVar will try his best to keep positive attitudes. "It will hurt. I'm not going to lie. 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," he stated.

In September 2020, the "Community" alum declared that he felt like he's been "preparing" his whole life for the "Jeopardy!" job. "Not gonna lie, I feel like I've been preparing my whole life to occupy the @Jeopardy host podium when Alex retires. #Jeopardy," he penned at that time.

Laver is one of the celebrities tapped to guest host "Jeopardy!" after Alex passed away in November. His episodes are set to air on July 26-30.