Tonight marks Pat Sajak’s final appearance as the host of Wheel of Fortune. The 77-year-old television personality has been a fixture on the game show for over 40 years, setting a record in the TV industry.
Sajak’s Announcement and Farewell
Last year, Sajak announced that the 41st season of the show would be his last. This final season has now concluded. During his final episode, Sajak expressed gratitude to viewers for their long-standing support. “It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” he said. “I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun — no social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game.”
Sajak’s Reflections and Vanna White’s Farewell
Wheel of Fortune has been sharing a series of videos throughout the week, featuring Sajak discussing his tenure on the show and explaining why he felt it was the right time to retire. Above is a video of Vanna White’s farewell to Sajak, which aired this week on the show.
Sajak’s Career Before Wheel of Fortune
Sajak, who turned 77 in October, began his career in radio as a teenager. He worked for Armed Forces Radio during the Vietnam War, and later transitioned to local TV news, serving as a weatherman in Los Angeles. In 1981, Wheel of Fortune creator Merv Griffin selected him to replace Chuck Woolery as the host of the series.
History of Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune originally debuted as a daytime series on NBC, with Chuck Woolery as the host. The syndicated version of Wheel launched in the fall of 1983 and has since been a staple of afternoon and early evening programming across the country. Vanna White joined the show in 1982. A few years ago, Sajak became the longest-tenured host in the history of TV game shows, surpassing Bob Barker of The Price Is Right.
New Host and Future of the Show
Following Sajak’s retirement, Ryan Seacrest will take over as the new host of the series. Vanna White will continue in her role as co-host.
Wrapping Up
Pat Sajak’s departure from Wheel of Fortune marks the end of an era in television game shows. As fans bid farewell to Sajak, the show’s legacy continues with Ryan Seacrest stepping in as the new host. For more information on various TV shows, visit HitPlay.
