Arr, 'tis a tale! Pat Sajak recalls joinin' the game show, whilst Ryan Seacrest be plannin' to fill his shoes.
2023-07-06
Avast ye! Pat Sajak be payin' tribute to the grand mastermind o' "Wheel of Fortune," ol' Merv Griffin, on the day he'd be blowin' out 98 candles. This tidin' floats me ship as Ryan Seacrest be walkin' the plank as the new captain!
Pat Sajak, the long-time host of "Wheel of Fortune," recently honored the show's creator, Merv Griffin, on what would have been his 98th birthday. Sajak expressed his gratitude to Griffin for defying network executives and hiring him, an unknown local TV weatherman, to take over the show in 1981. Sajak has been the face of "Wheel of Fortune" for 42 years but announced his retirement in June.Shortly after Sajak's retirement statement, it was announced that Ryan Seacrest, known for his work on "American Idol," would be taking over as the new host of "Wheel of Fortune" starting in September 2024. Seacrest expressed his excitement and humility in stepping into Sajak's shoes, stating that it was a privilege to watch Sajak and Vanna White on television for the past 40 years.
Seacrest also shared that this new hosting opportunity is a "full circle moment" for him, as one of his first jobs was hosting a game show called "Click" for Merv Griffin 25 years ago. He looks forward to continuing the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside Vanna White.
Sajak echoed Seacrest's enthusiasm and expressed his excitement about "handing over the car keys" this upcoming year. Seacrest's career has been mentored by broadcasting legend Dick Clark, and he is not only a host but also a producer on various television shows. His estimated net worth is around $450 million.
Overall, Sajak's tribute to Merv Griffin, the announcement of his retirement, and the introduction of Ryan Seacrest as the new host of "Wheel of Fortune" have brought a mix of nostalgia and excitement to fans of the popular game show.