BACK AT IT
Pat Sajak refuses to take it easy as he runs errands just days after retiring as host of Wheel of Fortune
Plus, how Pat said goodbye to fans after 40 years and why his replacement is nervous about filling his shoes
PAT Sajak was spotted running around town just days after his final episode of Wheel of Fortune aired on ABC.
The longtime game show host has not taken it easy since his Wheel of Fortune retirement, which he announced to fans last summer.
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Pat, 77, was seen walking around Encino, a Los Angeles neighborhood, with large packaging in one arm.
He had his car keys as he seemed to be headed back after running errands, appearing to have a pep in his step.
The host wore a plain gray T-shirt and jeans, which he paired with sneakers, aviator sunglasses, and a gray Under Armour hat.
Pat, who has hosted the beloved game show since 1981, filmed his last episode on April 5, which was aired on Friday, June 7.
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He will pass on the role to American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, 49, who will officially take over in September.
PAT'S RETIREMENT PLANS
Ahead of Pat's final episode, he sat with his daughter and the show's social correspondent, Maggie, on Good Morning America.
He talked about his retirement plans and what life will look like after Wheel of Fortune.
"This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago," he said, noting, "So I’ve had time to sort of get used to it."
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"It’s been a little bit wistful and all that, but I’m enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on the great run," Pat continued.
While Wheel of Fortune may have been such a big part of his life, Pat said he is looking forward to new experiences.
Wheel of Fortune's Pat Sajak bids farewell in final episode and reveals show was 'safe space' and 'incredible privilege'
"There’s also some other things in life that we’d like to do. I’m enjoying this last year. It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.
"I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint, hint, hint. No pressure," he joked to Maggie.
THAT'S ALL, FOLKS
At the end of the Friday episode, Pat held back tears as he said goodbye to viewers one last time.
"It's been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes, night after night, year after year, decade after decade," he told viewers.
Wheel of Fortune Host Timeline
Although Pat and Vanna have been a staple on the game show for decades, there have been other hosts
Chuck Woolery was the host from 1975 to 1981
He co-hosted alongside Susan Stafford (1975 to 1982)
Vanna White then stepped in as hostess in 1982 and has been ever since
After a contract and salary dispute, the show got rid of Chuck and brought in Pat in 1982
Pat hosted with Susan for one season
He then left the game show in 1989 to host a late-night talk show for CBS
For five months, NFL player Rolf Benirschke took his place
In July 1989, Bob Goen hosted the show on CBS
He hosted for a year and a half until the show was canceled in 1991
The show was then moved to ABC with Pat and Vanna hosting for the foreseeable future
In 2023, Pat announced his retirement and Ryan Seacrest as quickly named as his replacement
"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. But gradually it became more than that," he explained.
Leading up to Pat's retirement, the show has been sharing memorable moments from over the years — including his snappy one-liners.
Pat's replacement has been met with mixed emotions, as many fans have shown concern that Ryan will not be able to fill the host's shoes.
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Fans will still see a familiar face, however, as Pat's longtime co-host Vanna White, 67, will remain on the show.
IN WITH THE NEW
While Ryan has plenty of hosting experience, including his run on Live with Kelly and Ryan, some fans said they wanted to see Vanna alongside Pat's daughter, Maggie, instead.
And, with big shoes to fill, Ryan recently admitted he was feeling some "pressure."
"Well, no one can ever do what Pat has done. He is incredible," he said at the Hulu on Disney+ celebration in April.
"He has made that show just something so very special for so long, and he has done such a seamless, remarkable job, so no one can be him.
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"So do I feel pressure? Sure," he admitted.
"People love watching him. I want them to keep love watching it, and I hope to do a great job as well."
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