Pat Sajak, 76, who began hosting the Wheel of Fortune television game show in 1981, has announced his retirement.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak posted on Twitter Monday night. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
“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,” said Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows for Sony Pictures Television.
Vanna White joined him as co-host the following year. He took over duties from Chuck Woolery, who was the show’s first host when it debuted in 1975.
The popular game show, which features contestants guessing letters to try to fill out words and phrases to win money and prizes, responded to Sajak’s tweet and upcoming departure.
“Thank you to the best host in the biz. Wheel of Fortune would not be what it is today without you, Pat. Looking forward to Season 41 being better than ever!”
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I formerly watched the gameshow almost religiously and got to the point where I could usually come up with the answer within a certain amount of time. However, just the idea of keeping pace with the stars (that is, the shining other contestents) while in front of an audience was always too much.
On the other hand, considering the position of Pat Sajak, I couldn’t fathom being in the spotlight that long and not sticking my foot so far into my mouth (even just by misdirecting a comment or misinterpreting someone else’s comment) that I would have really screwed up.
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Definitely a professional with worthy longevity.
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MoMo and I watch the show most afternoons. This last year, Pat has let loose a bit and pulls some funny stuff. Fans say he should back off, but I think it’s great. Vanna need to let her hair down a bit and enjoy the last season. My wife can guess all the rhymes. I usually sit by the window waiting for the postal carrier.
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Haven’t watched it in many years, but sometimes I still enjoy a little mail.
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Seems like I heard of that verbal slip by Sajak. Sadly (or gladly, since I missed the bad stuff), I have been playing hooky from the show for quite some time.
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