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Pat Sajak        

Former Host of "Wheel of Fortune"

Pat Sajak is an American television personality, former weatherman, and talk show host. He is best known for the game show "Wheel of Fortune," which he hosted for 41 seasons. Sajak has received 19 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host, winning three times, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. He has been recognized by Guinness World Records for having the longest-serving career as a game show host for the same show, surpassing previous record holder Bob Barker.

Sajak was born and raised in Chicago, where he broke into broadcasting as a newscaster and announcer at a small radio station. He joined the Army in 1968 and was sent to Vietnam. Following his discharge, he spent time at a small radio station in Murray, KY before moving to Nashville to enter the television business. Sajak was hired by WSM-TV as a staff announcer, eventually expanding his role to talk shows and weather reporting. There, he was spotted by a talent scout for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles and, in 1977, he joined that station as its weatherman.

Four years later, he was chosen by "Wheel of Fortune's" creator, Merv Griffin, to assume hosting duties on the series' network daytime edition. In 1983, the nighttime version of the show was launched, and it has been the top-rated syndicated television program ever since.

Sajak has guest-starred on dozens of comedy, drama, game and talk series and hosted his own talk shows on CBS and Fox News Channel. He is set to star in a new take of the play “Prescription: Murder,” which is expected to run in summer 2025 at Honolulu’s Hawaii Theatre.

News


Pat Sajak will retire from 'Wheel of Fortune' after more than 4 decades as host : NPR
"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"

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