Pat Sajak's Greatest 'Wheel of Fortune' Hits: More Than Just the Occasional Eye Roll
When Pat Sajak announced his retirement in June 2023, it felt like the end of an era. The longest-running game show host surpassing Bob Barker's 35-year tenure on "The Price Is Right," Sajak has been spinning that iconic wheel and doling out sassy asides since December 23, 1981. His final episode will air on June 7, 2024, and he'll be succeeded by none other than Ryan Seacrest. As we gear up to say goodbye (and brace ourselves for a different brand of hosting pizzazz), let's take a look back at some of Pat's greatest hits and more than just the occasional eye roll.
Before he was a household name, Sajak's broadcast career began in an unlikely place: Saigon. As a disc jockey for Armed Forces Radio during the Vietnam War, he started his journey in front of the mic. This initial foray into media paved the way for roles as a local weatherman, where he caught the eye of 'Wheel of Fortune' creator Merv Griffin. The rest, as they say, is history—or rather, game show legend.
Pat Sajak is not just known for his impressive tenure but also for his snark and brutally honest interactions with contestants. Moments that come with their own flavor of unforgettable include the time he told a contestant to never interrupt a sponsor plug and the playful nudge when he jokingly asked a contestant to "shut up" after being interrupted during a round. These quips were never seriously mean-spirited but added a touch of wit and frankness rarely seen on sunny daytime TV. After all, if you're going to spend decades asking people to buy vowels, you might as well have some fun with it.
Among his many accolades, Pat Sajak holds the Guinness World Record for longest career as a game show host. He has received 23 Daytime Emmy nominations, winning three times, and took home a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2011 Daytime Emmy Awards. Not too shabby for a guy whose job description involves spinning a wheel and maintaining the serenity to calmly watch contestants solve (or fail to solve) word puzzles.
In addition to his main gig, Sajak dabbled in other realms of entertainment. He co-hosted the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade from 1984 to 1986 and even launched his own talk show, "The Pat Sajak Show," in 1989. While it didn't redefine late-night TV, it certainly added another notch to his belt of diverse hosting experiences.
Loyal viewers will also recall Sajak's memorable interactions with contestants over the years, including one unforgettable moment in March 2023 when he tackled professional wrestler Fred Jackson during an episode. Yes, you read that right. Sajak even put Jackson in a chokehold, combining game show antics with an impromptu wrestling move. Who knew "Wheel of Fortune" could pivot so seamlessly to WrestleMania?
Not one to shy away from making news-worthy statements, Pat Sajak genuinely enjoyed his time as a cultural mainstay. He often expressed his satisfaction with how "Wheel of Fortune" became an integral part of people's daily lives and popular culture. "When you make it into people's living rooms, you're part of their routines," he said, relishing the significance of his role on television.
And it seems the feeling is mutual; fans have adored watching Sajak alongside Vanna White, who joined him a year into his tenure, since 1982. Whether it was Sajak's knack for impeccable suits, his banter, or his signature wit, viewers could always count on him to make each episode entertaining.
Upon his retirement, Pat Sajak won't be disappearing entirely. He plans to serve as a consultant to "Wheel of Fortune," ensuring that the show retains the charm and engaging spirit that he has cultivated over the decades.
In the end, Pat Sajak's legacy is stitched into the fabric of television history, not just for his record-breaking run but for his unique brand of humor and honest, snarky commentary. As the wheel continues to turn, Ryan Seacrest will have some big shoes to fill, but one thing's for sure—Pat Sajak's greatest hits will forever be cataloged as more than just the occasional eye roll.