Long-time “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak will bid an emotional farewell to his loyal fans on Friday night, marking his exit from the hit game show after 43 years.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” Sajak, 77, said in a preview clip of his closing remarks for Friday’s episode. “I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
“I always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun,” he continued. “No social issues. No politics. Nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But gradually it became more than that. A place where kids learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families came together along with friends and neighbors, and entire generations.
“What an honor to play even a small part in all of that,” Sajak concluded. “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
Pat Sajak is signing off. https://t.co/30ldJIWuYh pic.twitter.com/X4A5sn7XQN
— New York Post (@nypost) June 7, 2024
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Sajak began hosting “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981, taking over for original host Chuck Woolery. The show has gone on to become the longest-running syndicated game show in the United States.
In June of last year, Sajak announced that the upcoming 41st season of “Wheel of Fortune” would be his 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!)” Sajak wrote in characteristically snarky fashion.
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!)
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) June 12, 2023
During his more than four decades hosting the show, Sajak’s trademark sarcasm endeared him to both television and online audiences.
NEW: 'Wheel of Fortune' audience starts cracking up after contestant incorrectly guessed the phrase by guessing: "Right In The Butt"
C'mon man.
Contestant Tavaris tried guessing the phrase which didn't correctly fit into the appropriate squares.
As the crowd was still… pic.twitter.com/S2hYaklh7B
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 24, 2024
Almost attended @wef in Davos. Luckily, I realized at the last moment I had confused it with Friday’s @WWE SmackDown in Detroit. Close call!
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) January 19, 2023
Over the last two centuries our average height has increased by several inches, our average body temperature has decreased by about a degree, and our skin has gotten ten times thinner.
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) February 2, 2022
Ahead of Sajak’s departure from the show, longtime cohost Vanna White gave an emotional statement in celebration of their decades of friendship.
“I can’t believe that tomorrow is our last show together,” White said. “I don’t know how to put into words what these past 40 years have meant to me but I’m going to try.”
She continued: “8000 episodes went by like that. When I first started, I was so green. You made me so comfortable and so confident, Pat. You made me who I am, you really did.”
Sajak’s final episode of “Wheel of Fortune,” the finale of the show’s 41st season, will air Friday, June 7th. When filming resumes in September, former “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest will take Sajak’s place. White will remain with the show at least through the 2025-2026 season.
Connor Walcott is a staff writer for Valuetainment.com. Follow Connor on X and look for him on VT’s “The Unusual Suspects.”
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