After nearly four decades as the beloved host of “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak has announced that he will be stepping down from his role on June 7. The news came as a shock to fans and industry insiders alike, as Sajak had become synonymous with the iconic game show and had solidified himself as one of the longest-running and most successful game show hosts in television history.
Sajak, born and raised in Chicago, started his career in showbiz as a disc jockey for the American Forces Vietnam Network during the Vietnam War. After serving in the U.S. Army, he went on to work as a weatherman before landing a job as a weather reporter at KNBC in Los Angeles.
It wasn’t until Merv Griffin fought for him to take over the hosting duties on “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981 that Sajak’s career truly began to take off.
Sajak has received 19 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host, winning three times. In 2018, he surpassed Bob Barker as the longest-running game show host in television history, solidifying his place in pop culture and in the hearts of viewers.
Aside from his success on the small screen, Sajak is also known for his sharp wit and clever humor on social media, particularly on Twitter. The 73-year-old has amassed a significant following for his quips and commentary on pop culture and politics, often earning him praise from fellow conservatives.
In response to the non-stop coverage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Sajak tweeted, “Having trouble finding information about Prince Harry and his wife (Meghan, I think). Any sources you might suggest?”
And in 2019, he poked fun at the climate alarmists on the Left who were choosing not to have children in order to save the planet, tweeting, “In order to save our planet, I’m asking everyone in America who’s 73 years old or older to join me in pledging not to have any more children.”
Sajak has also used his platform to call out the self-importance of celebrities and their often misguided opinions. In 2017, he tweeted, “OK, let me explain this again: We’re celebs. We’re wiser & more empathetic than you. We are famous. Please take our opinions more seriously.”
His no-nonsense approach and willingness to speak his mind have only added to his charm and appeal as a beloved TV personality.
As Sajak prepares to say goodbye to the “Wheel of Fortune” stage, fans and colleagues have expressed their sadness and admiration for his incredible career. With almost forty years at the helm, Sajak’s legacy on the show will be a tough one to follow.