Americans have been welcoming Pat Sajak into their homes for 40-years, and he has become synonymous with the hit game show Wheel of Fortune.
But his 40-year-run as the host of the show is coming to an end.
And Sajak just revealed his biggest regret about his exit from Wheel of Fortune.
Pat Sajak reminisces about Wheel of Fortune
Longtime Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak bid farewell to millions of fans when his final episode of the beloved game show aired.
He announced his retirement last year from hosting Wheel, a run that began in 1981.
The 77-year-old talked about his decision to ride off into the sunset during a segment on ABC’s Good Morning America with daughter Maggie Sajak.
Sajak explained to her why now was the right time to walk away from the show.
“I’ve always said this to you, you’ve heard me say this dozens of times, I’d rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late,” Sajak said.
Sajak is staying on as a consultant for three years, so he’ll still have some input on Wheel of Fortune.
He remarked, “Could I still do it? Yeah, I think I could for a while. There’s also some other things in life that we’d like to do, and I’m enjoying this last year. . .It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.”
Sajak’s heartfelt message
Maggie Sajak joined Wheel of Fortune in 2021 as a social media correspondent for the show.
Her dad gave her a not-so-subtle hint that he wanted some grandkids down the road.
“I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren – hint, hint, hint, no pressure,” Sajak joked.
Maggie asked how he felt about his last day on the show that became a staple of his life.
“Surprisingly okay,” Sajak admitted.
“You know, this was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago,” Sajak continued. “So I’ve had time to sort of get used to it, and it’s been a little bit wistful and all that, but I’m enjoying it and taking it in and reflecting on a great run.”
Sajak also reflected on the impact of Wheel of Fortune in popular culture.
He recalled, “I do know that somewhere along the line we became more than a popular show, we became part of the popular culture, and more importantly, we became part of people’s lives. And that’s been awfully gratifying.”
Maggie responded, “This show means the world to us. . .It’s been such a gift. You’ve made what could have just been Hangman into a cultural phenomenon. So thank you for these amazing 40-plus years.”
In a touching moment, father and daughter hugged.
Sajak passed Bob Barker, legendary former host of The Price is Right, to become the longest game show host in history in September 2022.
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest will now step in to fill Sajak’s massive shoes as Wheel of Fortune’s host next season.
Pat Sajak will leave Wheel as one of the most beloved television personalities in history.
Informed American will keep you up-to-date on any developments to this ongoing story.
