At 77, Pat Sajak FINALLY Admits What We All Suspected

America's game show icon, Pat Sajak, has  turned the wheel on his career, announcing   his retirement after a record-breaking run on  "Wheel of Fortune." For over 40 years, Sajak's   wit and charm have captivated audiences. But what  made this TV icon step away from the spotlight?   Was it a pressing health concern, a desire for  new challenges, or perhaps something more? Let's   unravel the mystery behind Pat Sajak's exit and  explore the reasons for his emotional farewell. PAT SAJAK EARLY DAYS Pat Sajak, an iconic figure in American  television, was born in Chicago, Illinois,   on October 26, 1946. Sajak's parents, Leonard and  Joyce Sajdak, were Polish immigrants striving to   carve out a better life in the United States. His  surname, originally spelled Sajdak, reflects his   Polish roots, but he later changed it to Sajak  to better fit the Americanized pronunciation. Growing up, Sajak's relationship with his father,  Leonard Sajdak, was distant. His father and   paternal grandparents did not play a significant  role in his early life. The family dynamic shifted   dramatically when his parents divorced while  Sajak was still young. In 1956, Pat's mother,   Joyce Sajak, remarried Walter Backal, a man who  became a more stable figure in young Pat's life. Tragically, Sajak lost his father at a young age,  with Leonard Sajdak passing away in 1961. In 1964,   Sajak graduated from Farragut High School. Like  many high school graduates, he faced the hard   question of what to do next. He decided to pursue  higher education at Columbia College Chicago,   a decision that was pivotal in his career. While  attending Columbia, Sajak took on a job as a desk   clerk at The Palmer House Hilton Hotel, one  of the city's most prestigious establishments. This job was more than just a way to pay the  bills; it offered him a front-row seat to the   world of hospitality and entertainment,  further fueling his ambitions. However,   it was Sajak's childhood memories  of sneaking out of bed to watch "The   Tonight Show" with Jack Paar that truly  ignited his passion for broadcasting. In a 2012 interview with the Hoover  Institution, a public policy think   tank at Stanford University, Sajak  reminisced about his childhood years:   "I would sneak out of bed at night not  to go out with the guys or grab a beer   but to turn on 'The Tonight Show' and  see what Jack was up to," he recalled. In his teenage years, he won a contest on WLS  radio's Dick Biondi Show, which allowed him   to step into the shoes of a guest teen deejay.  This experience provided Sajak with his first   taste of the microphone. In 1966, Sajak began to  carve his path in the industry by taking on small   jobs at a local radio station. At Columbia College  Chicago, Sajak’s journey took a significant turn. His broadcasting instructor, Al Parker,  recognizing his potential, informed him about   a job opening at WEDC, a local radio station in  desperate need of a newsman. Eager to advance   his career, Sajak applied and was hired  to work the midnight to 6:00 a.m. shift. In 1968, the course of Sajak's life took another  dramatic turn. Amid the chaos of the Vietnam War,   he joined the U.S. Army. While this  might have seemed like a detour from   his broadcasting aspirations, it instead  presented a new and unexpected opportunity.   Sajak was sent to Vietnam and stationed in  Saigon, now known as Ho Chi Minh City. There,   he served as a disc jockey on  the Armed Forces Radio station. In the early 1970s, Pat Sajak embarked on  a journey that laid the foundation for his   career in broadcasting and television.  Freshly discharged from the U.S. Army,   Sajak found himself at a crossroads, eager to  pursue his passion for radio. His first big   break came at WNBS in Murray, Kentucky, where  he spent a year honing his skills as a DJ. After a year at WNBS, Sajak moved on to  a more prominent opportunity to elevate   his career. He joined WSM in Nashville,  Tennessee, a 50,000-watt powerhouse known   for its influential broadcasting reach. Sajak  was assigned the 2:30–5:00 pm afternoon slot,   a prime time for reaching listeners during  their commutes home from work or school. The radio station's television sister WSM-TV,   now known as WSMV, brought Pat Sajak onto  their screen. Initially, Sajak started his   journey with WSM-TV as a voiceover artist,  doing station identifications and presenting   short newscasts during NBC's Today Show.  Later on, he took on roles as a weekend   and substitute weatherman, which allowed  him to work closely with anchor Dan Miller. The turning point came when KNBC-TV,  a prominent station in Los Angeles,   was on the hunt for a weather reporter in 1977.  Sajak's talent caught their attention, despite him   being thousands of miles away in Nashville.  Recognizing the opportunity, Sajak accepted   KNBC's offer and made the transition to become  a full-time weather reporter for the station. For Sajak, the opportunity to work at  KNBC was a big achievement. Los Angeles   was the epicenter of the entertainment  industry. Sajak's first major breakthrough   came when he was presenting the weather  report for the West Coast's epicenter of   television entertainment. His charisma, charm, and  ability to engage audiences didn't go unnoticed. One of the first to take note of his talent  was Jack Paar, a legendary figure in the   realm of late-night television. Paar,  impressed by Sajak's on-screen presence,   took the time to send him a letter of praise,  a gesture that boosted Sajak's confidence and   solidified his determination to pursue  an entertainment career. Merv Griffin,   the mastermind behind the iconic game show  "Jeopardy!", also took notice of Sajak's talent. In 1981, Merv Griffin made an offer to Sajak  to take over hosting duties from Chuck Woolery,   this marked a pivotal moment in Sajak's career.  But, this decision was met with resistance from   Fred Silverman, then-president and CEO of NBC.  Silverman's rejection of Sajak's hiring came from   concerns about his level of fame and recognition.  In Silverman's view, Sajak was considered too   local and not widely known enough to host  such a prominent national television program. However, Griffin was not one to back down easily.  In response to Silverman's refusal to hire Sajak,   Griffin took a bold stance and hindered  the production of new tapings of "Wheel   of Fortune." The situation took  a huge turn when Fred Silverman   was dismissed from his position due to  repeated programming failures at NBC.   Brandon Tartikoff took over as president,  bringing in a new era for the network. With Silverman out of the picture, the obstacle  to Sajak's hiring was removed, making the way for   him to accept the position as host of "Wheel of  Fortune.” For Sajak, who had already demonstrated   his hosting abilities through his work on game  show pilots like "Press Your Luck" and "Puzzlers,"   accepting the offer to host "Wheel of Fortune" was  a natural progression in his career. This marked   the beginning of a new chapter in his career,  paving the way for his eventual rise to fame as   the beloved host of "Wheel of Fortune.” PAT SAJAK RISE TO FAME On December 28, 1981, the television landscape  witnessed a huge moment as Pat Sajak stepped   into the role of host for the iconic game  show "Wheel of Fortune." That same day,   the show added a new feature that  became a key part of its format:   the Bonus Round. This new feature made the  game more exciting and raised the stakes   for contestants, giving them a chance to  win more money by solving an extra puzzle. The Bonus Round quickly became a fan  favorite, adding an extra layer of   suspense and anticipation to the  already thrilling game. As host,   Sajak mainly worked off-camera, playing a key  role in guiding contestants through the game.   He provided instructions and support as they  faced the challenges of the wheel and puzzles. Sajak's journey on "Wheel of Fortune" began  with Susan Stafford, who worked alongside him,   revealing each letter on the board as  he announced them. However, in 1982,   Susan Stafford decided to leave the  show to pursue a career in clinical   psychology. This opened the door for  Vanna White to step into the spotlight. Vanna White's role quickly became legendary.  Her graceful presence and charming demeanor   captivated audiences, making her an integral part  of the show's success. So much so that by 1988,   even The New York Times humorously  referred to Pat Sajak as "perhaps   best-known as Vanna White’s sidekick."  This playful remark highlighted the   undeniable impact Vanna White had  on the show and its popularity. In 1983, Merv took a gamble that no one could  have predicted would change the game forever.   It was September when the beloved game show  Wheel of Fortune made a daring leap into   nighttime syndication aiming to captivate  a broader audience while retaining its   daytime stronghold on NBC. However, this  bold move faced skepticism, as only a few   local stations were willing to air the show,  leaving a big gap in the one-hour time slot. In a brilliant move, Merv Griffin, the creator  of "Wheel of Fortune," decided to bring back   "Jeopardy!" with the charismatic Canadian  host Alex Trebek. With Trebek in charge,   the revived "Jeopardy!" debuted in syndication  in 1984, set to change the world of quiz shows. The risk paid off big time. "Wheel of Fortune"  and "Jeopardy!" quickly became incredibly popular,   winning over viewers all across the country. By  1986, they were the top two syndicated shows,   with "Wheel of Fortune" at number  one and "Jeopardy!" at number two. Pat Sajak became nationally famous  thanks to the syndication of "Wheel   of Fortune," which quickly made him a household  name. His rising popularity led to a lot of other   opportunities, including co-hosting the Macy's  Thanksgiving Day Parade from 1984 to 1986. In 1989, Sajak ventured into late-night  television with "The Pat Sajak Show" on   CBS. Although the show only lasted until 1990,  it featured notable guests like Jack Paar,   who had retired from late-night TV in 1965.  Joining CBS required Sajak to leave NBC.   And that was the end of his time hosting the  daytime version of "Wheel of Fortune" and his   affiliation with the network where he started  his television career. But that's not at all. TRANSITION TO CBS Despite these changes, Sajak continued to  host the highly popular syndicated evening   version of "Wheel of Fortune," maintaining his  presence as a beloved television personality.   In 1989, Pat Sajak made a big career  move by leaving NBC and taking on a new   show. He began hosting a late-night talk  show on CBS, which aired from January 9,   1989, to April 13, 1990. Despite its short  run, the show featured Sajak's old friend,   Dan Miller, who had been a news anchor  at WSM-TV in Nashville, as his sidekick. After his late-night show ended, Sajak  found other opportunities in television.   He became a frequent guest host on CNN's  "Larry King Live" whenever Larry King was   unavailable. Additionally, Sajak served as  a regular substitute host for Regis Philbin   on the syndicated morning talk show "Live with  Regis and Kelly." These roles allowed Sajak to   maintain a presence on television and showcase his  versatility as a host across different formats. In the 1990s, Pat Sajak expanded his involvement  in the world of broadcast entertainment.   Instead of pursuing highly profitable ventures,  he chose to invest in media projects that he was   passionate about. One significant move was  in 1998 when he purchased the broadcasting   license for WNAV, an AM radio station located  in Annapolis, Maryland. This station became   a key part of his company, Sajak Broadcasting  Corporation, showing his deep interest in radio. A few years after purchasing WTTR, he  decided it was time to part ways with   both WTTR and another station, WNAV. The sale  of WTTR’s license in 2013 was a lucrative deal,   bringing in $325,000. Fast forward to 2021,  and the story takes an unexpected twist. WNAV’s   license was sold for a mere $1,000. But there’s  more to it than meets the eye. Sajak himself   pitched in $100,000 to assist the station’s  relocation from land he was planning to sell. Beyond radio, Sajak's creative endeavors  flourished with the founding of P.A.T.   Productions and BoJak Records. P.A.T. Productions  became a hub for innovative television concepts,   while BoJak Records carved out  a niche in the music industry. Over the years, Pat Sajak has been  nominated 19 times for the Daytime   Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show  Host, winning this prestigious award   three times. His accolades include  the People’s Choice Award in 1987,   and Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show  Host in 1993, 1997, and 1998. In recognition of   his contributions to television, he received the  Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Sajak's achievements are further highlighted  by his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,   which he received in 1994. Additionally,  in 2019, he was honored by Guinness World   Records for having the longest career  as a game show host for the same show,   surpassing the previous record held by Bob  Barker. This recognition solidified Sajak's   legacy in the entertainment industry as a  prominent figure in television game shows.   Sajak's journey is not without its challenges. But  before then, let's dive into his personal life. PATAK PERSONAL LIFE Pat Sajak has been married twice in his  life. He met his first wife, Sherrill Sajak,   in 1978. They got married the following year,  in 1979, but their marriage ended in divorce   in 1986. During their time together, Pat  and Sherrill did not have any children. Sajak's second marriage was to Lesly Brown-Sajak,  a former model and photographer. The couple met   in 1988 through mutual friends, and their  relationship initially began as a platonic   friendship. However, their bond grew stronger  and turned romantic over time. By the next year,   in 1989, Pat and Lesly were married.  This marriage has been long-lasting,   reflecting the deep connection they  developed since their first meeting. Pat Sajak and his wife, Lesly, have two children:  a son named Patrick Michael James Sajak,   born on September 22, 1990, and a daughter  named Maggie Marie Sajak, born on January 5,   1995. Patrick pursued a career in medicine  and earned his medical degree in 2021.   Maggie has also made a name for herself,  occasionally appearing on her father's game show. The family resides in Severna Park, Maryland,  and also has a second home in Los Angeles. Pat   Sajak's first marriage to Sherrill Sajak  ended in divorce, but he found lasting   happiness with Lesly. Their marriage continues  to thrive and improve with each passing year. In 2005, Pat Sajak expanded his business interests  by becoming an investor in the Golden Baseball   League. This league is an independent  professional baseball league with teams   spread across California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah,  Alberta, British Columbia, and Baja California.   His involvement in the league showcased his  enthusiasm for baseball and sports in general. Sajak's passion for baseball was also  evident during a guest appearance in the   broadcast booth at a Baltimore Orioles  vs. Boston Red Sox spring training game   in March 2012. During this appearance, he  mentioned that he had experience calling some   baseball games in the past, highlighting  another facet of his diverse career. Beyond sports, Sajak has also contributed  to historical and educational projects.   He is featured in a short film shown at  the visitor's center at Mount Vernon,   the historic home of George  Washington. In this film,   Sajak explains the various attractions and  historical significance of the site to tourists,   enhancing their visit with his engaging  narration. This involvement shows his   interest in history and his ability to  connect with audiences in various settings. Pat Sajak is known for his conservative political  views and activities. He has written several   columns for Human Events, a conservative  magazine, and frequently contributes to   the conservative blog Ricochet.com, where he  participates in podcasts and posts regularly.   Sajak also holds a skeptical stance on the  scientific consensus regarding climate change. His political involvement extends beyond  writing and online contributions. Sajak   financially supports the Young America Foundation,   an organization that promotes conservative  ideas by sponsoring speakers on college   campuses. Despite his active engagement in  political discourse, Sajak has made a clear   distinction between his political views and  his role as the host of "Wheel of Fortune." In his final appearance as the host of the show,   he emphasized that "Wheel of Fortune"  was free of social issues and politics,   focusing solely on being an entertaining game  show. This separation shows his professional   commitment to keeping the show a neutral  and enjoyable experience for all viewers. In 2019, Pat Sajak became the chair of the  board of trustees at Hillsdale College,   a position of significant leadership and  responsibility. Before becoming the chair, he   spent 15 years as the vice chair, contributing to  the college's governance and strategic planning. That same year brought a big challenge  for Sajak. On November 8, 2019,   he underwent an urgent intestinal surgery to  remove a blockage. During his recovery period,   his co-host, Vanna White, stepped in  to host the show in his place. However,   after his recovery and return to hosting  duties on December 5, 2019, Pat Sajak faced   a controversy with a contestant in 2023, putting  "Wheel of Fortune" in the spotlight once again. PAT SAJAK CONTROVERSY WITH A CONTESTANT In 2023, the iconic "Wheel of Fortune" found  itself at the center of a storm when host Pat   Sajak came under fire for what many viewers  deemed an unjust ruling. The incident occurred   during a particularly tense moment on the show.  Alexa, a bright-eyed college contestant, faced   with the pressure of a ticking clock, managed  to crack the puzzle just as time seemed to slip   away. With only 10 seconds remaining,  she confidently declared her answer,   "Just Winging It," sending a wave of  excitement through the studio audience. But what followed was not jubilation, but  rather disbelief and outrage. Pat Sajak,   the face of "Wheel of Fortune" for decades,  made a split-second decision that went far   beyond the confines of the studio.  He declared Alexa's answer invalid,   claiming she had responded after the buzzer  sounded, robbing her of a $100,000 jackpot. The reaction was intense. Fans took to social  media to express their outrage, accusing Sajak   of unfairness and demanding justice for Alexa.  The incident sparked debates across the internet,   with some defending Sajak's decision as  a necessary enforcement of the rules,   while others condemned it as a heartless  betrayal of the spirit of the game. And that wasn't the only time Sajak has come  under fire for his on-air behavior. Amid the   excitement surrounding the WWE-themed  episode, Sajak's interaction with Theory   took an unexpected turn when he jokingly  requested the wrestler to remove his shirt. For some viewers, this moment crossed a line,   raising concerns of objectification and  inappropriate behavior on Sajak's part. A   prominent television personality making such a  request, especially in a professional setting,   raised valid questions about respect and  boundaries. However, as with any issue,   opinions were sharply divided. While some  viewers criticized Sajak's conduct, others   rushed to his defense, dismissing the incident as  harmless banter in the spirit of the show's theme. They argued that Sajak's remark was in line  with the playful tone of "Wheel of Fortune"   and should be viewed in context rather than  through a lens of moral indignation. In the   glitzy world of television, where charm  and chemistry often take center stage,   few pairs have captured the imagination of  viewers quite like Pat Sajak and Vanna White. VANNA WHITE AND PAT Pat Sajak and Vanna White  are more than just co-hosts;   they are television icons whose strong  bond has become synonymous with "Wheel of   Fortune.” Pat and Vanna have been closely  linked to the famous game show. They've   delighted audiences worldwide with their  cleverness, charm, and strong friendship. Since their debut in 1982, Pat and  Vanna have become familiar faces   in millions of households. Their great  chemistry and long-lasting partnership   have sparked rumors and excitement among  fans all over the world. The dynamic duo's   on-screen chemistry is undeniable, with  Sajak's quick wit complementing White's   elegant grace as they guide contestants  through the twists and turns of the game. But it's their off-screen relationship that has  sparked intrigue and fascination. Whispers of   a deeper connection beyond their professional  partnership have been going around for decades,   leading to a tantalizing question: Are Pat  Sajak and Vanna White more than just co-hosts? Fueling the speculation are the occasional  moments of playful flirtation and affectionate   gestures exchanged between the two hosts. Whether  it's a lingering glance, a shared inside joke,   or a playful touch, these small moments  have been carefully examined by eagle-eyed   fans, who eagerly search for clues about  the true nature of their relationship. And in 1987, after years of speculation,  Pat Sajak finally decided to address the   rumor. It was a momentous occasion, marked  by a joint interview with Sajak and White,   where they sat down to set the record straight. “In ‘The Inquirer,’ I think we’ve been  everything from lovers to feuders, and   we’re somewhere in between,” Sajak remarked, his  words laced with humor and a touch of ambiguity.   This clever response neither confirms nor  denies the rumors, leaving some mystery intact. But the intrigue didn't end there. Sajak  and White decided to play a prank on their   audience during an April Fool's Day  episode. With a playful tone, they   publicly announced that they were in a romantic  relationship, surprising both fans and tabloids. Over the years, Sajak and White have had fun with  the romance rumors, teasing fans with playful   comments and joking responses. Whether it’s a  witty remark during an interview or a cheeky   tweet between them, they know how to keep the  rumors alive while maintaining a sense of mystery. Despite the ongoing rumors, both Sajak and White  have consistently said that they are just friends.   In many interviews and public events, they've  laughed off the romantic speculation, emphasizing   that their connection is based on respect,  friendship, and working together professionally. Yet, there's an undeniable appeal to the  idea of a hidden romance blossoming behind   the scenes. In the end, whether Pat Sajak  and Vanna White are just close friends and   colleagues or something more remains  a fascinating mystery. This question   continues to captivate fans and fuel  endless gossip and tabloid headlines. Regardless of the truth, their lasting  partnership and undeniable chemistry have   made them television legends, leaving  a lasting impact on viewers worldwide.   For decades, Sajak has been the charismatic face  of the beloved game show, charming audiences with   his wit, warmth, and of course, his iconic quips.  However, all good things must come to an end. PAT SAJAK RETIREMENT In June 2023, the entertainment world  was shaken by the news that Sajak,   the beloved host of "Wheel of Fortune," would  retire after the 41st season. The final episode   was taped in April 2024 and aired on June 7. For  those who had followed Sajak's interviews and   public appearances over the years, his retirement  wasn't a complete surprise. There had been plenty   of speculation about his future plans, with hints  suggesting he might step back from the spotlight. In September 2022, during an  interview with Entertainment Tonight,   Sajak expressed his desire to step down from  the show. Sajak's words made it clear that   change was on the horizon. "We are not  going to do this for another 40 years;   the end is near," he candidly stated, hinting  at an inevitable conclusion to his career. Speculation about Sajak's retirement  increased after a big incident during   the show's taping on April 26, 2023. Fans  tuned in expecting to see their favorite   host but were surprised to find him missing.  Instead, longtime announcer Jim Thornton took   over as presenter. Sajak's absence caused  concern and confusion among the audience,   leading to numerous rumors and  theories about why he suddenly left. What is the exact reason for his retirement? At  77 years old, Sajak feels that it is the right   time for him to retire, a sentiment he shared in  his official announcement made last year. This   decision reflects his desire to focus on personal  priorities and enjoy more leisure time with his   loved ones. With Pat Sajak's upcoming departure,  the question on everyone's lips was: Who would   step into the limelight to guide contestants  through the maze of letters and fortunes? Following Pat Sajak's announcement, many  people speculated about who might replace   him as the host of Wheel of Fortune.  One name that surfaced was Vanna White,   who has been Sajak's co-host for several  years. Yet, amidst the speculation surrounding   Vanna's potential ascension, another  name began to surface: Maggie Sajak,   Sajak's daughter. Maggie has gradually become  involved with Wheel of Fortune, starting with   her debut in January 2020 when she filled in  as a substitute for Vanna White for a week. This opportunity arose when Vanna  was temporarily replacing Pat Sajak,   who had to undergo surgery. Then, in 2021, Maggie  started a new role at Wheel of Fortune as a social   media correspondent, further solidifying  her ties to the iconic show. Could Maggie,   with her familial ties and growing on-screen  presence, be the unexpected heir to the throne? In the wake of Sajak's announcement, all eyes were  on the decision-makers behind "Wheel of Fortune"   as they deliberated over who would inherit the  hosting mantle. And in a move that surprised many,   media personality Ryan Seacrest emerged  as the chosen successor to Sajak's throne. Pat Sajak is now a retired American television  personality and game show host, known for his   long tenure as the host of the popular television  game show, Wheel of Fortune. Sajak hosted the   show from 1981 until his retirement in 2024.  Throughout his career on Wheel of Fortune,   Sajak became a beloved figure for his  wit, charm, and rapport with contestants. With an estimated net worth exceeding $75 million,  Sajak's successful career has made him one of   the most recognizable faces on television.  Despite his retirement from hosting duties,   Sajak will continue to be involved with  Wheel of Fortune as a consultant for the   next three years. This role will ensure  a smooth transition for his successor,   Ryan Seacrest, who will take over hosting  duties following Sajak's departure. Beyond his game show career, Sajak  has made various appearances in films,   television series, and game shows, such as  Airplane II: The Sequel, Days of Our Lives,   and Rugrats. He also hosted a late-night talk  show on CBS from 1989 to 1990 and became a   frequent guest host for CNN's Larry King Live  and the syndicated Live with Regis and Kelly. Sajak has been involved in a variety  of other endeavors, including as an   external director of conservative publishing  house Eagle Publishing and writing for the   National Review Online and Ricochet.co. He  is also the author of several puzzle games,   including "Lucky Letters", developed in  collaboration with puzzle developer David L. Hoyt. Sajak's departure leaves a lasting  legacy that is deeply embedded   in "Wheel of Fortune's" history.  During his impressive time as host,   he entertained millions of viewers and became  a beloved icon in the world of TV game shows. What do you think about Sajak's  retirement? Leave a comment below   and if you enjoyed this video, give  it a thumbs up and follow it for more.