It’s the end of an era.
Pat Sajak— the beloved longtime host of Wheel of Fortune— took to social media on Monday to announce that the upcoming 41st season of the show will be his last. In a statement posted to his Twitter account, Pat showed off his trademark humor.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he wrote. “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 (@patsajak) June 12, 2023
Pat–who is now 76 years old– has hosted the game show since 1981. (His co-host Vanna White started on the show in December 1982, and appears to be staying with ‘Wheel of Fortune.’)
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Pat will remain part of the show– at least behind-the-scenes— for several more years. He will reportedly serve as a consultant for three years after leaving his hosting gig.
In a statement released after Pat’s announcement, Sony Pictures Executive VP of Game Shows, Suzanne Prete, thanked Pat for his 40+ years on the show.
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“As the host of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” Suzanne said. “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. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we’re thrilled to have him remaining close to the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ family.”
It is unknown who will take over Pat’s job as host of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ for Season 42.
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The man is unproblematic & had a nice-paying job for at least 41 years. Sounds like he will enjoy the time off.
Vanna, oh Vanna.