There are three things synonymous with the classic game show Wheel of Fortune. Vanna White, Pat Sajak, and the Wheel. Next year at this time, there will be just two of those left.
Pat Sajak is taking his dry wit and iconic presence and heading off into retirement after the upcoming season, which will be his and the show’s 41st. He’s been the face and presence of the show since it debuted in 1983.
Here is part of Sajak’s statement announcing his decision to walk away.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)”
After next season, the 76-year-old will remain as a consultant for three years.
Sajak has hosted the show since Ronald Reagan’s first term because he’d be an absolute fool to give it up. It’s a fun gig and one he seemed born for. Before being given the opportunity of a lifetime, he was a weatherman at KNBC Television in LA. The show’s creator offered him the job for the daytime version of the show in 1981. Vanna White joined the team in 1982, and in 1983 they took over their nighttime syndicated slot and never gave it up.
Sajak racked up some hardware for hosting along the way, winning three Daytime Emmy Awards and a lifetime achievement award.
No word on whom the show is looking at to replace him, but whoever it is, they will have to come up with about 150,000 corny lines before they are in Sajak’s league as host.
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