Entertainment
Pat Sajak passes Wheel of Fortune torch to Ryan Seacrest
Ryan Seacrest, Vanna White and Pat Sajak.
YouTube/Wheel of FortuneWheel of Fortune has officially changed ownership.
In a new promo video for season 42 shared on Thursday, June 13, legendary host Pat Sajak is shown passing the torch to a new host Ryan Seacrest.
“Well, this is it, Ryan. What do you think?” Sajak, 77, says in the clip as he gives Seacrest a tour of the studio with longtime cohost Vanna White.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AEtdqoX5PY
“Impressive, Pat,” replies Seacrest, 49.
Pat Sajak’s journey to becoming the longest-running TV game show host has had its ups and downs over the years. The TV personality became a fixture on the small screen after taking over from original Wheel of Fortune host Chuck Woolery in 1981 and was joined by cohost Vanna White a year later. “When I […]
“Ryan, I know the contestants will love you,” White, 67, encourages her new cohost. (White has signed on to stay on for another season.)
Sajak, who hosted Wheel of Fortune for 41 seasons starting in 1983, Seacrest says, “I think you’ll have the most fun meeting the players and getting to know the crowd at home.”
There’s also a nice final moment between Sajak and White, who have been costars since the current version of the game show launched in 1983.
In response to Seacrest saying that they both “make it look so easy,” Sajak says, “Well, you’ll never find a better job and you’ll never find a better cohost.”
Wheel of Fortune has entertained countless viewers since its premiere in 1975, but with time comes its share of mistakes. Since its inception, the game show has featured contestants who solve word puzzles to win money and other prizes. Pat Sajak has hosted the show since 1981, earning 19 Daytime Emmy nominations […]
Sajak’s last episode of Wheel of Fortune aired on Friday, June 7, marking the end of its run after four decades and more than 8,000 episodes.
“Well, it’s time to say goodbye. I have a few thanks and thanks before I go. And I want to start with all of you out there watching,” he said at the end of the show. “It has been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade. And I’ve always felt that the privilege came with the responsibility of keeping this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game.”
Ryan Seacrest
John Nacion/FilmMagicSajak added that over time the show became “more” than he ever hoped.
“A place where children learned their letters, where people from other countries honed their English skills, where families gathered with friends and neighbors and entire generations,” he said. “What an honor to have played even a small role in that. Thank you for letting me into your life.”
Seacrest takes over as host in season 42 of Wheel of Fortune premiere in September.
