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Pat Sajak, at right, with Vanna White in 1982, near the start of their time on the game show "Wheel of Fortune". Source: https://people.com/pat-sajak-vanna-white-wheel-of-fortune-throwback-photos-7514811 (May be subject to copyright) |
Yet today, Pat Sajak bid a fond farewell as he retired after more than 40 years as host of the “Wheel of Fortuine”. Vanna White has indicated she will stay on for another year to ensure an orderly transition.
It brings back a lot of memories of how I discovered “Wheel of Fortune”, and what it has meant to me and my family over the years.
Spinning the wheel
The first time I ever saw “Wheel of Fortune” was at my cousins’ house in Lethbridge. They had cable TV and I was visiting during some kind of break, or I may have even been sick from school. My parents went shopping to Lethbridge every Thursday like clockwork, and may have taken me with them that day.
The first time I ever saw “Wheel of Fortune” was at my cousins’ house in Lethbridge. They had cable TV and I was visiting during some kind of break, or I may have even been sick from school. My parents went shopping to Lethbridge every Thursday like clockwork, and may have taken me with them that day.
My Aunt Johanna, my Mom’s sister, watched the “Wheel of Fortune” while she did housework, so I watched with her. It was pretty cool, because it was just like the game “Hangman” we played with pen and paper. You took turns choosing letters, trying to fill in the blanks of a word puzzle, and guess the answer before your opponent.
What I really liked was not so much the game, but what happened after the contestant won the money for that round. Instead of just getting money, like they do now, contestants actually had to “buy” items. There was a showcase, similar to what was on “The Price is Right”, but much more elaborate. There were a number of rooms and contestants were told they were shopping in a particular room, such as the kitchen or family room. Then they bought items using their money. Whatever they didn’t spend, they could get put on to a gift certificate.
I learned all that from Pat Sajak who was the host of “Wheel of Fortune”.
Right in your living room
“Wheel of Fortune” did not come to peasant vision for awhile. When it did, it became a staple for my parents. My Dad in particular, always liked game shows and especially loved “The Price Is Right”.
“Wheel of Fortune” did not come to peasant vision for awhile. When it did, it became a staple for my parents. My Dad in particular, always liked game shows and especially loved “The Price Is Right”.
He took to “Wheel of Fortune” quickly, as well as “Jeopardy!” which came not too much after that.
They would religiously watch both those shows until my Dad died in 2015.
And they both loved Pat Sajak.
Back story
Wikipedia reveals Pat Sajak was host of “Wheel of Fortune” from 1981, when he took over for Chuck Woolery, until today, so 2024 for the record. He was nominated 19 times for the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host, and won three times. He also holds the Guiness Book World Record for having the longest-serving career as a game show host for the same show, surpassing Bob Barker of “The Price Is Right”, who previously held the record.
Wikipedia reveals Pat Sajak was host of “Wheel of Fortune” from 1981, when he took over for Chuck Woolery, until today, so 2024 for the record. He was nominated 19 times for the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host, and won three times. He also holds the Guiness Book World Record for having the longest-serving career as a game show host for the same show, surpassing Bob Barker of “The Price Is Right”, who previously held the record.
Beyond the “Wheel”
Pat Sajak also hosted the syndicated daytime version of “Wheel of Fortune” from 1983 to1989, when he was replaced by Rolf Benirschke, who was the place kicker for the San Diego Chargers. He was soon replaced by Bob Goen.
Pat Sajak also hosted the syndicated daytime version of “Wheel of Fortune” from 1983 to1989, when he was replaced by Rolf Benirschke, who was the place kicker for the San Diego Chargers. He was soon replaced by Bob Goen.
Sajak also had a small role in “Airplane II: The Sequel” in 1982; appeared on other game shows such as ”Super Password”, “Password Plus”, “Dream House”, “Just Men!”, and “Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour”; had a late-night talk show from 1989 to 1990; and had a stint on the daytime soap opera “Days Of Our Lives”.
Parting thoughts
What I absolutely love is that Pat Sajak is going out on his own terms. There was no drama or controversy. He just decided to retire, and today was his last day.
What I absolutely love is that Pat Sajak is going out on his own terms. There was no drama or controversy. He just decided to retire, and today was his last day.
I not only congratulate him on a long and distinguished career that began years ago when I was in junior high, but the fact he conducted himself with class, grace, and professionalism.
He was a true gentleman in everything he did.
“Wheel of Fortune”, really won’t be the same without him.
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