Pat Sajak, longtime host of the gameshow, ‘Wheel of Fortune’, has announced his impending retirement.
“Well, the time has come,” he announced. “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!)”
Suzanne Prete, the EVP of game shows at Sony Pictures Television announced:
“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!”
Sajak has also suggested that Vanna White, his counterpart on the show, may be leaving at the same time.
“There’s a pretty good chance that when one of us leaves, we’ll both leave, because it would be odd for either of us to work with somebody else,” he said, at the time. “I always say that I want to leave while the show is still popular and before people tune in and say, ‘Ooh, what happened to him?’”
If you’re wondering if Sajak has any opinion on his replacement, he doesn’t think that it’s his question to answer.
“I have no interest in that,” Sajak said. “It’s not my show, I don’t run it, I’m not producing it. I don’t own it. I’m just a working stiff here. I’m sure they will pick someone just fine, but I’ve never given that a moment’s thought.”
Sources:
‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak announces retirement after 40 years: ‘The time has come’ (msn.com)
Pat Sajak is retiring: Look back at quotes from the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host (msn.com)
‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak announces retirement after 40 years: ‘The time has come’ (msn.com)
