After 40 years, Pat Sajak is officially retiring as host of Wheel of Fortune. The television personality made the announcement on Monday via his Twitter account.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Pat wrote. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” he continued. “Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
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Pat’s retirement was confirmed by Sony Pictures Television’s EVP of Games Shows, Suzanne Prete, who added that Pat will continue to be employed as a consultant on the classic game show for the next three years.
“As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” Suzanne 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,” she added.
“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!” the executive continued.
Pat began hosting Wheel of Fortune in 1981, and stayed with it throughout the years as it became one of the most easily recognizable game shows on American television.
A post shared by Pat Sajak Official (@patsajakofficale)
With a total net worth of $70 million, Pat was reportedly making $14 million per Wheel of Fortune season. It’s not clear how much he’ll be paid as a consultant.
In comparison, the show’s presenter Vanna White makes an estimated $10 million per season. She’s been with the show since 1982, and hasn’t unveiled plans to step away from the show.
For now, it’s unclear who will replace Pat as the host, but there’s been speculation that Vanna could take over his role. And apparently she’s on board with the idea.
“Vanna doesn’t want to leave Wheel of Fortune even after Pat’s announcement of retirement and she would highly consider taking over his role as host on the show,” a source told Daily Mail.
“Vanna is in it for the long haul,” they continued. “If she doesn’t take over Pat’s job when he is done, she would like to be a part of the selection process for Pat’s replacement because if it is up to her, she is in it forever.”
If one thing is for sure it’s that daytime television isn’t going to be the same without Pat Sajak on the screen.
Sources: PEOPLE, Celebrity Net Worth, Daily Mail,
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