Pat Sajak

Patrick Leonard Sajak, born on October 26, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, began his career in broadcasting after serving in the U.S. Army as a disc jockey during the Vietnam War. He attended Columbia College Chicago, while also working as a desk clerk. His early broadcasting experience included a stint as a guest teen deejay on WLS radio and a newsman for WEDC. After his military service, he worked as a DJ at WNBS in Murray, Kentucky, and later at WSM in Nashville, Tennessee, where he also transitioned into television as a voiceover artist and weatherman for WSM-TV.

Sajak’s career trajectory shifted significantly in 1977 when he became a full-time weather reporter for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. His work caught the attention of Merv Griffin, leading to his selection as the host of “Wheel of Fortune” in 1981. This role defined a substantial portion of his career, lasting until 2024. During his time with “Wheel of Fortune,” Sajak hosted both the daytime and syndicated evening versions, becoming the longest-serving game show host for the same show, a record recognized by Guinness World Records in 2019. Beyond game shows, Sajak explored other television ventures, including hosting “The Pat Sajak Show” on CBS from 1989 to 1990 and serving as a frequent guest host for “Larry King Live” on CNN and “Live with Regis and Kelly.”

Throughout his career, Sajak made appearances in films such as “Airplane II: The Sequel” (1982) and various television series like “Days of Our Lives” and “Rugrats,” often playing himself. He also contributed as a writer to publications like National Review Online and Ricochet.com and developed puzzle games. Sajak held positions on the board of directors for the Claremont Institute and served as the board of trustees chair for Hillsdale College. In 2021, he began co-hosting “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” with Vanna White. Sajak announced his retirement from hosting the syndicated “Wheel of Fortune” in 2023, with his final episode airing in June 2024, but continued as a consultant for the show and as host for “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.”