Pat Sajak, the beloved host of Wheel of Fortune, bid farewell to the show in June 2024 after an incredible 40-year run. However, his retirement didn’t last long, as he’s already back to host season 5 of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. This article explores what Sajak has been up to since leaving the iconic game show, from his return to the spinoff series to his upcoming theatrical role in Hawaii.
Sajak’s departure marked the end of an era for Wheel of Fortune, but his legacy continues. His decision to retire came after much consideration, with a desire to explore other interests while still in good health. Now, less than a year after his emotional farewell, fans can rejoice as he steps back behind the wheel.
In this article, we’ll delve into Sajak’s reasons for retiring, his reflections on his time on Wheel of Fortune, his relationship with co-host Vanna White, and his new projects. Join us as we take a closer look at what Pat Sajak has been doing since retiring from Wheel of Fortune.
How Long Was Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune?
Pat Sajak’s journey with Wheel of Fortune began in 1981, when he took over from the original host, Chuck Woolery. He remained the host for over four decades, becoming a household name and a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His tenure spanned thousands of episodes, making him the longest-running host of the show.
Sajak’s impact on Wheel of Fortune is immeasurable. He brought a sense of humor, warmth, and professionalism to the show, captivating audiences and making it a staple in American households. His partnership with Vanna White, who joined the show in 1982, became iconic, and their on-screen chemistry contributed to the show’s enduring success.
During his time on Wheel of Fortune, Sajak received numerous accolades, including a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 1994. In 2011, he was honored with the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the television industry. In 2019, Guinness World Records recognized Sajak for having the longest career as a game show host for the same show.
“It’s been an honor to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” Sajak said during his farewell. “And I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game.”
Why Did Pat Sajak Retire from Wheel of Fortune?
Pat Sajak’s decision to retire from Wheel of Fortune was not sudden. In an interview with his daughter Maggie, who has served as the show’s social correspondent since 2021, he shared his reasoning behind stepping away from the show. He emphasized that he didn’t want to stay on the job until he was no longer able to perform it well.
“My goal was not to do the job until I keel over on it,” Sajak said. “You’ve always 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 acknowledged that he could have continued hosting for a while longer but expressed a desire to explore other interests and enjoy life outside of television. He felt that the time was right to pass the torch and embark on new adventures. His statement shows his humble attitude about his role, not seeing it as something he had to do, but something that he loved doing.
“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,” Sajak continued. “It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.”
Has Pat Sajak Returned to Wheel of Fortune Since Retiring?
Despite retiring from Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak has made a few special appearances on the show. He returned as host for a holiday episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on December 2, 2024. Additionally, he is hosting season 5 of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, which premiered on April 30.
According to a press release, season 5 of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune will mark Sajak’s “final spin” as host. The season features a star-studded lineup of celebrity contestants, including Brooke Shields, Tony Hawk, and Kevin Nealon. This season will not only be fun for the fans at home, but also for Pat Sajak as he gets to enjoy his time there with some amazing people.
Sajak’s return to Wheel of Fortune, even in a limited capacity, has been welcomed by fans who have missed his presence on the show. His appearances on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune have provided viewers with a nostalgic glimpse of the familiar face they have come to love over the years.
Is Pat Sajak Still Close with Former Co-Host Vanna White?
Pat Sajak and Vanna White’s partnership on Wheel of Fortune spanned over four decades, and their bond extended beyond the television screen. In his farewell message during his final episode, Sajak expressed his appreciation for White, calling her his “professional other half.”
“We’ve seen a lot of changes in each other’s lives over the years, but we’ve always been there for each other,” Sajak said. “While I’ll very much miss working with her, I take solace in the fact that we live about five miles apart so we’ll see plenty of each other. But I will miss our nightly closes and her laughter and her good nature.”
Since Sajak’s departure from the show, the pair have remained close friends. White revealed that they still see each other regularly, often having dinner together. Their enduring friendship is a testament to the genuine connection they formed over their many years working together.
During an April 2025 conversation with Entertainment Tonight, White shared that getting together with Sajak is like “.”“We’re friends. We have dinner! Yeah, he’s still in my life,” she said.
“I mean that in the best possible way. It’s just comfortable,” she added.
What Has Pat Sajak Been Up to Since Retiring from Wheel of Fortune?
Since retiring from Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak has remained active in the entertainment industry. He is serving as a consultant on Wheel of Fortune for three years after his exit and is hosting season 5 of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. He also explored other creative projects.
From July 31 to Aug. 10, 2025, Sajak will star in a play, Prescription: Murder, at The Hawaii Theatre. He will be acting alongside KHON-TV Hawaii newscaster Joe Moore, who he befriended while serving in the army in Vietnam. This stage production marks a new chapter in Sajak’s career.
In his interview with Maggie, Sajak shared that he was looking for something “special” and “designed for me” to take on as his next project. His role in Prescription: Murder aligns with this sentiment, offering him a chance to showcase his acting skills in a different medium.
“Something exciting and different and challenging,” he added. “But I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with my grandchildren.”
Conclusion
Pat Sajak’s retirement from Wheel of Fortune marked the end of an era, but his journey in the entertainment world is far from over. From his return to host season 5 of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune to his upcoming theatrical role in Hawaii, Sajak continues to embrace new challenges and opportunities.
His legacy as the iconic host of Wheel of Fortune will forever be etched in television history. His warm personality, quick wit, and professionalism endeared him to millions of viewers, making him a beloved figure in American households. His partnership with Vanna White created a chemistry that has lasted decades, and is still running strong to this day.
As Sajak embarks on new adventures, fans can look forward to seeing him shine in different roles. Whether he’s solving crossword puzzles, spending time with his grandchildren, or gracing the stage in Hawaii, Pat Sajak’s star will continue to shine bright.
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