Mayim Bialik is kicking off her two-week stay as the newest guest host of "Jeopardy!"
On Monday, the "Big Bang Theory" star began her tenure by honoring the late Alex Trebek for pioneering a show that "allows the brightest minds to shine."
"It is an incredible honor to guest host Jeopardy!" Bialik, 45, began with a wide grin. "I was raised in a very creative and academic family, but it wasn't until high school that I fell in love with science and that love led me to a Ph.D. in neuroscience."
MORE: Ken Jennings reflects on one of his final conversations with Alex TrebekShe continued, "I so appreciate that 'Jeopardy!' is a show that tests all aspects of intellect and allows the brightest minds to shine."
Bialik announced that she will be raising money to benefit the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) while "presenting this show with dignity and humility in an effort to pay tribute to Alex Trebek."
.@missmayim kicks off her first show as guest host by sharing her love of science and appreciation for Jeopardy! pic.twitter.com/05M4Ucp4hD
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) May 31, 2021
Prior to her debut, the "Blossom" alum took to Twitter to gush about the opportunity, writing, "Still can’t believe this is happening!!! It’s all so surreal!!!"
Still can’t believe this is happening!!! It’s all so surreal!!! And the first episode is happening on Monday! Tune in!! 💙💙 @Jeopardy https://t.co/Xw3w8Dv3LL pic.twitter.com/iYsZgRl40G
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) May 30, 2021
Bialik will hold down the fort until June 11. Following her tenure will be Savannah Guthrie followed by Dr. Sanjay Gupta. "Good Morning America" co-anchors George Stephanopoulos and Robin Roberts will take charge during the weeks of July 12-16 and July 19-23, respectively.
MORE: Katie Couric, NFL star Aaron Rodgers and more will fill in as 'Jeopardy!' hostsGuest hosts have been scheduled through Aug. 13, with Fox sportscaster Joe Buck named as the final guest host.
Trebek died Nov. 8, 2020, from pancreatic cancer. Until the game show selects a permanent replacement, celebrity guest hosts will be manning the podium.
"Jeopardy!" airs at 7 p.m. ET on ABC.
