I don’t know about you, but as a young primary schooler who used to be glued to cable TV, I used to watch Wheel of Fortune whenever it came on on Channel 5.
From the iconic intro music to the audience chanting “Spin That Wheel”, this show has been a classic staple in American homes and globally since 1981.
Now, the host of the show and the longest-serving TV game show host in history, Pat Sajak, is signing off from the show after 41 whole seasons.
An Emotional Farewell
On 7 June 2024, Pat Sajak told viewers, “Well, the time has come to say goodbye”.
As he thanked his audience, he said it had been an incredible privilege to have been “invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade”.
Vanna White, also known as the “letter toucher”, paid tribute to him in a short but sweet two-minute farewell video.
Sharing that she has no idea how to put the past 41 years into words, White said that she would try.
In the emotional and touching farewell, she shared how Sajak had made her feel so comfortable and confident even when she was a newbie on the show.
“You made me who I am, you really did,” she said.
White’s speech began to falter as she got emotional reminiscing the journey she and Sajak have shared.
“You’re like a brother to me,” she described Sajak, “and I consider you a true lifelong friend.”
Somebody pass me the tissues right now.
Guinness Record Holder for Longest Career as a Game Show Host for the Same Show
Sajak’s dedication wasn’t only felt by his co-host Vanna White, but also by millions around the world.
In 2019, he was awarded the title of the longest career as a game show host for the same show by the Guinness World Records.
In his sign-off video, Sajak said that he had always felt that the privilege he had of hosting this show came with the responsibility to keep it a safe place for family fun.
“No social issues. No politics.”
But he acknowledged that the show became a place where kids could learn the alphabet, where people from other countries honed their English skills and family, friends, neighbours and entire generations came together.
“What an honour to play even a small part in all that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives,” as he closed off his final episode.
Sajak had announced in June 2023 that he would be retiring at the end of the 41st season, so this was no surprise.
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest is set to succeed him while Vanna White will stay on to be his co-host through the next season.
Needless to say, Seacrest has some big shoes to fill.
This is classic a bitter-sweet culmination of years of hard work and we only wish Sajak the best in all his future endeavours.
May he continue to spin the wheel of life.