Pat Sajak Ruminates on Four Decades as Host on WHEEL OF FORTUNE
By Movieguide Contributor
The long-time game show host of WHEEL OF FORTUNE, Pat Sajak takes a trip back in time as the show plans to look ahead to the future.
Pat Sajak shared a post on Twitter that honored the creator of WHEEL OF FORTUNE, Merv Griffin.
“Merv Griffin, the creator of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ was born on this date in 1925,” Sajak began. “I owe the man so much. He absolutely defied network executives by insisting on hiring an unknown local TV weatherman to take over his show in 1981. That was me, and I’ve been grateful ever since.”
Since Sajak took over from Chuck Woolery in 1981, the game show hasn’t seen another host.
Movieguide® recently reported on Pat Sajak’s retirement announcement:
“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,” Sajak said via Twitter.
Sajak took over the show in 1981 from Chuck Woolery who had hosted for the show’s first 6 years. In the 40 years since he took over, WHEEL OF FORTUNE has become a television mainstay and one of the longest continually running televised gameshows.
“As the host of WHEEL OF FORTUNE, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years,” executive vice-president of gameshows for Sony Pictures Television, Suzanne Prete, 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.”
Following Sajak’s retirement, producers took their time to decide who would become the show’s new host.
Pop Culture Librarian at Texas Tech University told Fox News Digital, “[What] the producers of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ need to take away from ‘The Price is Right’ [is] that they need that charisma and to find someone who knows how to make contestants feel at ease – but still have the competitive edge these games call for – but also the audience. Carey was already known as a funny individual who could bring audiences into the process of whatever it is he is doing.”
“The producers need to meticulously interview and search for people who can fit the job but also someone who can relate to the audience. A person who is lively. Pat Sajak has hosted ‘Wheel’ for over 40 years. Audiences are often resistant to [change], so whoever takes over has big shoes to fill,” Weiner added.
In addition, Doug Eldridge of Achilles PR told Fox News Digital, “When looking at the short list of would-be replacements, the question is whether Sony is looking for continuity or a kick-start. If it’s continuity, then Seacrest is the logical fit, given his demeanor, aesthetic and broad cultural appeal. Add to that, he’s already a proven commodity and a household name, so skeptics and cynics would have less ammunition out of the gate.”
However, the game show officially decided that Ryan Seacrest would take the place of Pat Sajak.
Fox News Digital reported a statement from Seacrest about his new role, “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna (White) on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
He added, “Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
In addition, Seacrest recalled that his new role has come full circle for him.
“Many people probably don’t know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called ‘Click’ for Merv Griffin 25 years ago so this is truly a full circle moment for me and I’m grateful to Sony for the opportunity,” Seacrest stated. “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Sajak matched Seacrest’s enthusiasm and looks forward to “handing over the car keys” very soon.
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