It was a sad night for old fans of “Wheel of Fortune.”
The game show aired its final episode, “Thanks for the Memories,” on Friday. Pat Sajak, 77, The episode began with a flashback to Sajak’s first episode in 1981, when he took over Chuck Woolery’s role as host.
After the toss-up round, Sajak said that “most people know” that Friday evening was his last episode. He explained that since he needed to save time to share a few words at the end of the episode, Friday night’s game was going to look a little different.
Pat Sajak surprised “Wheel of Fortune” contestants Friday night with a $5,000 advance. (Getty Images)
“We’re going to do a round of cuts that’s going to be like robbing you guys,” Sajak told the three contestants. “What I’ve decided is it’s been so long since I’ve spun the wheel, I’m going to spin it, and I’m going to add $1,000 to whoever’s hand I draw and everybody gets that amount.”
‘Wheel of Fortune’ hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White through the years: Photos
Sajak spun the wheel and landed on $1,000, bringing the contestants’ total to $2,000.
“You know what? That’s not my money. Let’s give them all $5,000,” Sajak said.
Pat Sajak has been the host of “Wheel of Fortune” for more than 40 years. (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images)
Pats’ longtime announcer Jim said a few words to Sajak saying goodbye.
“I want to thank you, Pat, for being your announcer for the last 13 years, for always keeping me on my toes,” Jim said before the two went into a brief commercial. “Thank you, Jim. You know I’ve been here a long time and you’re the best. Thank you for all the work you’ve done here,” Sajak said.
During his last episode, which was taped in April and aired Friday evening, Sajak gave a speech Emotional Goodbye Speech,
“Well, it’s time to say goodbye,” he said. “Before I go, I want to express some thanks and gratitude, and I want to start with everyone out there. It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”
Pat Sajak gave an emotional farewell speech at the end of Friday night’s episode. (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images)
“I’ve always felt that this privilege comes with a responsibility to make this half hour a safe space for family entertainment,” he added. “There’s no social issues, no politics, I hope there’s nothing shameful about it, it’s just a game.”
“But gradually it became much more than that,” he said. “A place where children learned the alphabet, where people from other countries brushed up on their English skills, where families, friends and neighbors and entire generations came together.”
“What an honor it is to play even a small role in all of this,” Sajak concluded. “Thank you for letting me into your lives. Every time we taped a show, I would meet three new people from all parts of this amazing country and the world, who were kind and thoughtful, who supported each other, who were so proud to talk about their families, their hometowns, their friends, their schools, their jobs, even their pets.”
WATCH: ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak gives speech during final episode
“At the end of the day, they were the real stars of the show,” he added. “I really like these people, and I’ll miss the chance to meet more of them.”
Sajak thanked the staff and crew he had worked with over the decades.
“To our staff and crew, especially the veterans I’ve shared this stage with for five years, ten years, 20, 30 years and more … it’s been a joy working with you. Your skill and dedication and good humor have made this a place I’ve always wanted to be,” Sajak said. “Everyone stood together and cared about each other and this show. It worked because you made it work, it looked great because you made it great, and you made my job so easy.”
Pat Sajak and Vanna White have been the co-hosts of “Wheel of Fortune” for decades. (Photo: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
“I want to let you know that your efforts have never gone unnoticed or unappreciated. I’ll miss you guys,” Sajak said.
Pat said the “best part of the last few years” was having the opportunity to work with her daughter, Maggie Sajak.
“Watching her grow in her role and as a person. She interviewed me recently, and I talked about my life and the show. I hope you saw it online. I had a lot of fun doing it. I have to admit it’s a little weird being interviewed by your own daughter, but she did a good job,” Sajak said.
Pat Sajak’s daughter Maggie interviews him before his final “Wheel of Fortune” episode. (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images)
“Maggie is loved here because she is talented, smart and fun, but she is also loved here because she is kind, caring and humble. Leslie and I are blessed to have two such wonderful children,” Sajak said. “Of course, there’s Maggie and her wonderful brother Patrick and his new family. As for Leslie, she has been my wife and life partner for 35 years. I love her for her personality and our personalities as a team.”
Sajak also took some time to talk about his “professional life partner,” Vanna White.
“Like me, she takes the show very seriously, but not herself. I shudder to think how these 40-plus years could have gone by if they’d brought in someone who was so self-absorbed and playing the primadonna,” Sajak began. “Vana is as sweet and humble as she seems. We’ve seen a lot of changes in each other’s lives over the years, but we’ve always been there for each other.”
Pat Sajak thanked his “professional life partner” Vanna White during his farewell speech. (Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty Images)
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Pat thanked Vanna for her goodbye speech during Thursday night’s episode, but said getting rid of her won’t be easy.
“Although I will miss working with her, I take comfort in the fact that we live about five miles from each other, so we will see each other plenty,” he said. “But I will miss our nightly get-togethers, her laughter and her good nature. She is a very special woman.”
Sajak revealed that White will return to “Wheel of Fortune” next season, and fans will see him on the small screen in upcoming summer reruns.
Pat Sajak will appear as the host of “Wheel of Fortune” during summer rebroadcast episodes. (ABC/Christopher Willard)
“That’s it. Thank you very much to all of you and goodbye,” Sajak concluded his farewell speech.
During Thursday night’s episode, White shared A tearful farewell to Sajak.
“I can’t believe tomorrow is our last show together,” White said in a clip that aired on Thursday’s episode. “I don’t know how to put into words what the last 41 years have meant to me, but I’m going to try.”
“8000 episodes just flew by. When I first started, I was so new. You made me so comfortable and confident, Pat. You made me who I am, you really did,” she added.
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“As much fun as we’ve had on camera, the memories, milestones and life events we’ve shared with our families outside of the studio are my favorites,” she added. “We’ve watched our children grow up together, we’ve traveled all over the world, we’ve eaten hundreds of meals together, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve celebrated. What an incredible and unforgettable journey our journey has been.”
“While this chapter of our lives is coming to a close, I know you will still be close to me,” she concluded. “You are like a brother to me, and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always cherish. I love you, Pat.”
Ryan Seacrest will take over as host of “Wheel of Fortune.” (Monika Schipper/Getty Images)
Although Sajak is retiring from the game show world, he’s already booked a new gig — he’ll appear in a Hawaii stage production of the show called “Prescription: Murder,” according to reports. deadline,
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A week after the Sajak news was released in June 2023, it was announced that Ryan Seacrest would be Taking over as host In season 42.
