When is Pat Sajak the Last Day on Wheel of Fortune as a Host? When Did Pat Sajak Start Wheel of Fortune

When is Pat Sajak the Last Day on Wheel of Fortune as a Host?

Pat Sajak, the longtime host of Wheel of Fortune, will host his final show on June 7, which is the last episode of season 41. After hosting the show for 40 years, Sajak announced his retirement in June 2023. Throughout his time on Wheel of Fortune, he won three Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host.

Sajak shared the news of his retirement on X, expressing gratitude for the support and teasing that he'll have more to say in the future. Shortly after his announcement, Ryan Seacrest was revealed as his replacement for the following season. Seacrest expressed humility and excitement about stepping into Sajak's shoes, praising him and Vanna White for their decades-long contribution to the show.

Seacrest highlighted Sajak's warmth and rapport with contestants, expressing eagerness to learn from him during the transition. Overall, Sajak's departure marks the end of an era on Wheel of Fortune, while Seacrest looks forward to carrying on the show's legacy.

When Did Pat Sajak Start Wheel of Fortune?

Pat Sajak, the host of Wheel of Fortune, will have his final show on June 7, ending his 40-year run as the show's host. He announced his retirement in June 2023, expressing gratitude for the support over the years. Sajak started hosting Wheel of Fortune in 1981 after Merv Griffin, the show's creator, recommended him to NBC.

The show introduced new features like the Bonus Round on the same day Sajak began hosting. Throughout his time on the show, he worked alongside cohosts like Susan Stafford and later Vanna White, who became an iconic part of the program. Wheel of Fortune expanded to nighttime syndication in 1983, alongside Jeopardy!, another game show hosted by Alex Trebek.

Sajak's fame grew with the syndication, leading to other opportunities like hosting the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and his late-night show, The Pat Sajak Show, on CBS. Beyond television, Sajak ventured into radio broadcasting and founded small production companies.

He's known for his conservative values and has been outspoken about his political beliefs. Despite leaving Wheel of Fortune, Sajak leaves a remarkable legacy as the longest-serving game show host in American television history, earning accolades like the Daytime Emmy Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Who is Taking Over for Pat Sajak?

Ryan Seacrest will be the new host of Wheel of Fortune, taking over from Pat Sajak when he retires after the 2023–24 season. Sajak announced his retirement on June 12, ending his 40-year run as host. Seacrest expressed his excitement, saying it's a privilege to follow in Sajak's footsteps.

He's grateful for the opportunity and looks forward to continuing the tradition of spinning the wheel alongside Vanna White. Sony Pictures, the studio behind Wheel of Fortune, expressed their excitement about Seacrest joining the show, believing he'd continue its success. Seacrest is well-known for hosting American Idol, Live With Kelly, and Ryan, among other shows.

He wrapped up his six-year run on Live earlier this year. Sajak and White have hosted Wheel of Fortune since it began in 1983, and they also host ABC's Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Seacrest's move to Wheel of Fortune marks a new chapter for the popular game show, and fans are eager to see him in action.

Who Hosted the Wheel of Fortune Before Pat Sajak?

Before Pat Sajak, Chuck Woolery was the original host of Wheel of Fortune. He hosted the show from its debut in 1975 until 1981. During his tenure, Woolery became well-known for his catchphrase "We'll be back in two and two" before commercial breaks.

However, in 1981, when the show's creator, Merv Griffin, decided to change hosts, Woolery left Wheel of Fortune. Griffin wanted someone with a different style for the show's next phase. That's when Pat Sajak took over as the new host, bringing his charm and personality to the role.

Sajak has since become synonymous with Wheel of Fortune, hosting the show for over four decades. Woolery's contribution to the show's early success is remembered fondly by fans, but it's Sajak who's best known for his enduring role as the host of the beloved game show.

Pat Sajak wiki

Patrick Leonard Sajak, born October 26, 1946, is an American TV personality and game show host. He started his career in broadcasting in Chicago, working at a local radio station and serving as a disc jockey during the Vietnam War. Sajak is famous for hosting the game show Wheel of Fortune since 1981.

He's been nominated for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host 19 times, winning three times. In 2019, Guinness World Records recognized him for having the longest career as a game show host for the same show. Besides Wheel of Fortune, Sajak has appeared in movies, TV shows, and other game shows like Airplane II:

The Sequel and Days of Our Lives. He hosted a late-night talk show on CBS from 1989 to 1990 and guest-hosted CNN's Larry King Live and Live with Regis and Kelly. Sajak is also involved in writing and has authored puzzle games. He's been married to Lesly Brown Sajak since 1989 and has two children. As of 2021, he's a consulting producer for Wheel of Fortune and hosts Prime Time Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC with Vanna White.

Age & Height

Patrick Leonard Sajdak, born on October 26, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, is 77 years old. He is known to stand at a height of 5 feet and 10 inches, which is about 178 centimeters. This height is taller than the average height for men in America.

Career

Pat Sajak's early career started when he won a radio contest and became a teen deejay. Later, he worked as a newsman on a radio station while attending college. In 1968, he joined the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a disc jockey. He once made a mistake during a Christmas broadcast for President Nixon and decided not to resume the feed after it was cut off prematurely.

In the 1970s, he worked as a DJ on radio and TV stations, including WSM in Nashville and KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. In 1981, he was chosen to host Wheel of Fortune. Since then, he has hosted the show for over 36 years, making him the longest-serving game show host in American television history. Apart from hosting, Sajak has appeared in movies and TV shows and has written for publications. He announced his retirement in June 2023, with Ryan Seacrest named as his successor.

Net Worth

Pat Sajak, who is 77 years old, has been hosting the show since 1981 and is said to have a net worth of $75 million. He earns $14 million every year from his hosting job. Additionally, he makes more money by allowing his picture to be used on "Wheel of Fortune" slot machines in casinos worldwide. According to Celebrity Net Worth, he earns around $15 million each year from royalties and fees related to these slot machines, which have been using his image since 1996.