The 76-year-old host of the popular syndicated game show shockingly announces that he's retiring from the show after serving as the host for four decades.
- Jun 13, 2023
AceShowbiz - Pat Sajak will soon make his final spin. The host of "Wheel of Fortune" announced on Monday, June 13 that he's retiring from the long-running game show after serving as the host for four decades.
"Well, the time has come. I've decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last," Sajak said in a statement. "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!)."
While Sajak will no longer host the show after the end of his upcoming 41st season, he is set to continue his partnership with the program as a consultant. Suzanne Prete, executive vp game shows at Sony Pictures Television, also addressed the retirement in a statement. "As the host of 'Wheel of Fortune', Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years," Prete noted.
She continued, "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 hosted the syndicated game show since its nighttime debut in 1983. He later hosted the daytime edition from 1981 to 1989.
Prior to his retirement announcement, the 76-year-old had hinted at the idea for many years. "It appears I may go before the show," he revealed to Entertainment Tonight last year. "Years go by fast. We're getting near the end. It's been a long [time]. We're not gonna do this for another 40 years. The end is near … It's an honor to have been in people's living rooms for that long. People were out there welcoming us. We're happy and proud."
