We’ve got bad news for people who dreamed of one day buying a vowel from beloved Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak: next year’s season will be his last.
The 76-year-old host recently announced his impending retirement from reminding guests that “potato” has six letters, not seven; however, he’ll stay on as a consultant for three more years to ensure the show’s quality doesn’t dip in his absence.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, Sajack announced his retirement on Monday, saying 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!”
Stone cold, Sajak. Stone cold.
The host has led Wheel of Fortune since its debut. Sajak started as a weatherman at KNBC in Los Angeles when he was offered the role of daytime host on the brand-new Wheel of Fortune in 1981. (The daytime version of Wheel ran from 1981 through 1989.) Famed co-host and letter-turner Vanna White joined him a year later, and the two were invited to launch the syndicated evening run of the show in 1983.
The game show remains one of the most popular on broadcast TV, netting more than 9 million daily viewers most weeks. Sajak himself has nabbed three Daytime Emmy Awards and also received a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award in 2011.
We’ll certainly miss Sajak’s friendly demeanor and the ease with which he’s navigated several hilarious snafus during his years on the show. We’re still cackling about a contestant once upon a time guessing “gold shower” instead of “cold shower,” which Sajak skirted over with the skill of a pro.
May he continue helping the word nerds out there to feel bright and, when necessary, save face.