‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Pat Sajak Wins Emmy Ahead Of Retirement
Pat Sajak has earned himself an Emmy Award for his longtime hosting duties on Wheel Of Fortune. It will be the final time he is put up for an Emmy following his retirement. Here are the details of his latest award, plus a look back at his career.
Pat Sajak Takes Home Emmy Award For Wheel Of Fortune
The game show host first appeared on Wheel Of Fortune in 1981. Pat, 77, officially retired from his hosting duties in June. This weekend, he took home the award for outstanding host for a game show at the 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.
Although Pat Sajak wasn’t there to accept the award, it marks his first Emmy win in 26 years. Throughout his career, he has received 23 nominations. He previously won the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host in 1993, 1997, and 1998.
Due to his long and fruitful career on Wheel Of Fortune, Pat also received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. He won the award alongside Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek.
Pat first took over the hosting duties on the game show in 1981. Chuck Woolery was the previous host of Wheel Of Fortune. Vanna White joined the game show in 1982 and they worked together for more than four decades before Pat announced his retirement.
In June 2023, the former Wheel Of Fortune host took to X to announce his departure from the beloved game show. “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he wrote. “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!)”
“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 said about hosting the show. “Somewhere along the line, we became more than a popular show. We became part of the popular culture. And more importantly, we became part of people’s lives. And, that’s been awfully gratifying.”
Ryan Seacrest Steps Into Pat’s Shoes For Season 42
It was confirmed that Ryan Seacrest would be replacing Pat Sajak on the game show. Vanna White is contracted to stay on Wheel through the 2025-2026 season when she says she plans to leave.
Fans have been less-than-enthusiastic about Ryan Seacrest taking over for Pat. Many people have suggested that Vanna should have been the one to replace the Wheel Of Fortune legend. Others have recommended that his daughter, Maggie Sajak, step up for the position.
Ryan is under some pressure to improve ratings after a significant summer slump for the game show. Time will tell if he’s able to pull it off.
The first Wheel Of Fortune episode with Ryan Seacrest at the helm airs tomorrow, September 9.
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