Pat Sajak reflects after Ryan Seacrest named ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host
Pat Sajak is wheel-y grateful for his time on “Wheel of Fortune” — even though Ryan Seacrest is taking his place soon.
On Thursday, Sajak, 76, paid tribute to Merv Griffin, the creator of “Wheel of Fortune,” on what would have been his birthday, and thanked the presenter for taking a chance on him all those years ago.
“Merv Griffin, the creator of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ was born on this date in 1925,” Sajak wrote on Twitter.
“I owe the man so much,” the message continued. “He absolutely defied network executives by insisting on hiring an unknown local TV weatherman to take over his show in 1981. That was me, and I’ve been grateful ever since.”
Sajak has been a staple on the show since 1981 when he was hired to take over hosting duties in replacement of Chuck Woolery, who was the program’s original presenter.
But now, after 42 years on the show, Sajak has made the decision to retire, which he announced via Twitter on June 12.
“Well, the time has come,” Sajak wrote in a statement. “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. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)”
In the wake of Sajak’s retirement news, it was announced that longtime “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, 48, would be taking over for him after he finishes out this next season.
He will also serve as a consulting producer on the program, Sony said late last month.
In a statement, Seacrest admitted that he was “truly humbled” to be stepping into Sajak’s role.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
He also made a nod to the show’s longtime letter-turner, Vanna White, 66, writing that he was excited to work with her.
“I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White,” he shared.
However, it’s unclear whether or not White will even be back on the “Wheel of Fortune” stage anytime soon.
According to a report by Puck News, White has allegedly lawyered up and is asking for a raise — something that she hasn’t received in 18 years apart from bonuses.
She is said to be represented by “aggressive” powerhouse attorney Bryan Freedman, who also worked for the short-lived “Jeopardy!” host Mike Richards after a string of scandals.
White is reportedly looking to get more cash than her alleged $3 million annual salary — which she’s had since 2005.
Her pay seemingly pales in comparison to Pat Sajak’s reported $15 million per year, per Forbes.
White’s contract expires at the end of the 2023-2024 season, according to Fox News.
However, it looks like many former game show members are on White’s side, and agree that she should get a raise.
Last week, former “Price is Right” model Gwendolyn Osborne, 44, shared her support for White during an interview with “TMZ Live.”
“I’m saying it’s about time,” Osborne said, in part. “Vanna White should have been asking this a long time ago.”
Former “Deal or No Deal” and “The Price Is Right” model Claudia Jordan also spoke out in defense of White this week.
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