Pat Sajak is honoring the past as “Wheel of Fortune” looks ahead to the future.
On Thursday, Sajak honored the game show’s creator, Merv Griffin, on what would have been his 98th birthday. The message comes shortly after “Wheel of Fortune” named Ryan Seacrest as the new host, starting September 2024.
“Merv Griffin, the creator of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ was born on this date in 1925,” Sajak began on Twitter. “I owe the man so much. He absolutely defied network executives by insisting on hiring an unknown local TV weatherman to take over his show in 1981. That was me, and I’ve been grateful ever since.”
Sajak has been the face of “Wheel of Fortune” since he took over for Chuck Woolery in 1981. Fast-forward 42 years. Sajak has decided to retire, making the announcement in June.
RYAN SEACREST TAKES PAT SAJAK’S SPOT AS ‘WHEEL OF FORTUNE’ HOST
“Well, the time has come,” Sajak wrote on Twitter at the time. “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)”
Merv Griffin created “Wheel of Fortune” in 1975. (Bob Riha, Jr.)
The “American Idol” judge was named the new host shortly after Sajak’s retirement statement.
In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, Seacrest shared his excitement about stepping into the role.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said. “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.
Pat Sajak honored the “Wheel of Fortune” creator as Ryan Seacrest prepares to step in as host. (Getty images)
“Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition.”
In his statement, Seacrest noted the new hosting gig comes as a “full circle moment.”
“Many people probably don’t know this but one of my first jobs was hosting a little game show called ‘Click’ for Merv Griffin 25 years ago so this is truly a full circle moment for me and I’m grateful to Sony for the opportunity,” he added. “I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White.”
Pat Sajak will retire as host of “Wheel of Fortune” next year. (Jim Spellman/WireImage)
Pat echoed Seacrest’s enthusiasm and looks forward to “handing over the car keys” this upcoming year.
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Before Seacrest became a household name, he found a mentor in broadcasting legend Dick Clark, who helped propel his career from standing on the sidelines to shining in the spotlight.
Ryan Seacrest will take over as host of “Wheel of Fortune” in September 2024. (Getty Images)
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Seacrest not only hosts multiple shows across a variety of platforms, he also works behind the scenes as a producer on some of the top television shows. His estimated worth is around $450 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Fox News Digital’s Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report.
