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,' said Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of game shows for Sony Pictures Television. 'As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years. Sajak will continue to serve as a consultant on the show for three years after his retirement as host. The show soon shifted to a syndication and aired in the evening in many markets, becoming one of the most successful game shows in history. Gold Dollar bonus screen for Wheel of Fortune. He took over duties from Chuck Woolery, who was the show's first host when it debuted in 1975.Īlong with Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982, Sajak has been a television mainstay. You can see what the main 9-line screen on this machine looks like. Sajak, 76, has presided over the game show, which features contestants guessing letters to try to fill out words and phrases to win money and prizes, since 1981. Television Pat Sajak: 'I Didn't See Myself As A Game Show Host'
