Get ready to say goodbye to the iconic Pat Sajak as he announces his retirement from Wheel of Fortune after 40 incredible years. In a statement obtained by FilmmakerFocus, Sajak revealed that the upcoming 41st season, starting in September, will be his last. But don’t worry, he’s promised to share more about his journey in the coming months. And let’s be real, we can’t wait to hear what he has to say!
Sajak has been a staple on our screens since 1981, and his work has earned him three Emmys and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the TV Academy. He was originally recruited by creator Merv Griffin to take over for Chuck Woolery and has been a beloved host ever since.
Did you know that Sajak used to do double duty at the wheel? In the ’80s, he hosted both a daytime version on NBC and a syndicated version in the evening. And in 2018, he became the longest-running host of any game show, surpassing Bob Barker from The Price Is Right.
Last year, Sajak joked during an interview with Entertainment Tonight that he’d like to leave the show before people start saying, “Ooh, what happened to him?” And it looks like he’s sticking to his word.
But don’t worry, Sajak will still be a part of the Wheel of Fortune family. He and longtime colleague Vanna White signed contract extensions in 2021 that take them through next season. And Sajak has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting.
Suzanne Prete, EVP Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, expressed her gratitude for Sajak’s incredible career, saying, “As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years. We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years, and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season.”
So let’s give a round of applause to Pat Sajak for his incredible work on Wheel of Fortune and wish him all the best in his retirement. And who knows, maybe we’ll see him again in the future!
