It’s the end of an era. Long-time Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, 76, has announced his retirement on Monday, saying: “The time has come.”
Sajak, a former Los Angeles weatherman, took to Twitter to share the news.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he tweeted. “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!)”
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 (@PatOnWheel) June 12, 2023
Suzanne Prete, the executive vice president of game shows for Sony Pictures Television, commented on Sajak’s retirement and said that he “has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting.”
“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,” she said in a statement, adding: “We’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!’
Sajak hosted a daytime edition of the game show on NBC from 1981 to 1989 — the daytime show was canceled in 1991. He began hosting the syndicated evening version of Wheel of Fortune with Vanna White in 1983.
He won three Daytime Emmys after being nominated 22 times, and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011 for hosting the beloved game show.
The official Wheel of Fortune Twitter account responded to the news by calling Sajak the “best” in the business:Â “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!”
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! https://t.co/KPcbTQhE9x pic.twitter.com/0uQuXG2Jfr
— Wheel of Fortune (@WheelofFortune) June 12, 2023
Here’s a quick sampling of responses to the story from Twitter:
Pat, the show will not be the same without you. Glad we get one more season! Thank you for all the great memories and entertainment and I hope that means more time for your great Twitter content.
— Carol Roth (@caroljsroth) June 13, 2023
Well sir, you’ve solved the puzzle.
R-E-T-I-R-E-M-E-N-T— Daniel (@ddwalk34) June 12, 2023
When Pat Sajak started hosting Wheel of Fortune in 1981, he’d do the weather for KNBC in LA, host the show, and go across the NBC lot to do the weather again for the late night news.
Times have changed. https://t.co/ARNuwaDyC7
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) June 13, 2023
Congratulations Pat! Good timing — in another four years, you’ll be the perfect age to run for President.
— Aaron Klein (@AaronKlein) June 13, 2023
Will miss you man, you are in my house every night.
— Gianluca Rizza (@gianlucarizza) June 13, 2023
I remember how excited my Mom was to meet you when she was on the show in the 80’s. I still remember you were genuinely kind and friendly in person. Many good blessings to you for wherever life takes you from here.
— Shashi Galore (@shashigette) June 12, 2023
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Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
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