Pat Sajak Trolls Himself for How Long He's Hosted 'Wheel of Fortune'
These days, it's pretty rare for someone to stay at one job for long, let alone several decades. Recently, Pat Sajak reflected on his lengthy career, jokingly noting that he’s just as surprised as viewers that he’s hosted Wheel of Fortune for 40 years.
The longtime game show host, 76, shared his witty response on Twitter in response to a viral account called @Chicago_History.
"If someone from 1981 suddenly woke up in 2023, what would surprise them the most?" the account asked in a tweet posted on July 9.
While there were plenty of interesting responses—including “The Cubs won a World Series!”—Sajak, who hails from Chicago, responded, “That Pat Sajak was still hosting Wheel of Fortune."
That Pat Sajak was still hosting Wheel of Fortune.
— Pat Sajak (@patsajak) July 9, 2023
Sajak has held the position since 1981 when he took over duties from Chuck Woolery, the show's first host when it premiered in 1975.
Fans couldn’t get enough of his answer, with one fan stating, “And @patsajak is still on top of his game!”
“You win best response!” another added, as someone else chimed in, “or that he finally retired won't be the same, @RyanSeacrest has some humongous shoes to fill.”
Related: Watch Pat Sajak Troll 'Wheel of Fortune' Contestant With Fake Fish
On June 12, the beloved host announced that the upcoming 41st season— airing sometime in the fall—would be his last, concluding a historic four-decade run.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all,” he tweeted at the time.
In addition to becoming somewhat of a family member for households growing up watching WOF daily, he’s also been recognized by his peers, having been nominated for 19 Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host, and winning three of them.
Related: 'Wheel of Fortune' Host Pat Sajak Jokes About His Potential 'Successor'
Not long after Sajak’s retirement was announced, Ryan Seacrest was tapped as the official host beginning with season 42.
"It’s official! Starting in 2024 @ryanseacrest will take the stage as the new host of Wheel of Fortune. We're so excited - Welcome Ryan!" the official game show page wrote.
"I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement. "I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna [White] on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them."
Thankfully, we have one more season of Sajak’s witty quips and hilarious remarks before Seacrest takes the reins.
However, Sajak hinted that he's not necessarily done working and has already lined up his first new gig.
Next, What Pat Sajak's 'Wheel of Fortune' Retirement Means for Vanna White