After 40 years as the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak has announced that the upcoming 41st season will be his last. The beloved television personality shared the news of his retirement from the iconic game show in a tweet on Monday.
In his tweet, Sajak expressed his gratitude for the “wonderful” journey he has had on the show.
Since taking over from Chuck Woolery in 1981, Sajak, now 76, has been a familiar face on television screens across the nation. Alongside his co-host Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982, Sajak has been a staple of “Wheel of Fortune.” The show quickly became a syndicated hit, airing in the evenings and captivating audiences with its word-guessing format.
Despite his retirement as host, Sajak will continue to contribute to the show as a consultant for the next three years. Suzanne Prete, the executive vice president of game shows for Sony Pictures Television, expressed her gratitude for Sajak’s incredible career and stated, “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.”
Sajak’s departure comes just a little over two weeks after announcing that Robert “Bob” Ennis, the show’s director, is retiring after the current season. Ennis, an Emmy award winner, has been part of the production since 1983 and was promoted to director in 2015.
No word yet on who will be filling in the shoes of the iconic show’s beloved host.
Information for this story was found via The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
