Pat Sajak Wins Emmy as He Bids Farewell to “Wheel of Fortune”
In an emotional farewell to his illustrious career, Pat Sajak is taking home a special keepsake to remember his final season as host of “Wheel of Fortune.” The television veteran, who officially retired from the long-running ABC game show in June after more than 40 years, recently won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Game Show during the Creative Arts Emmys ceremony held on Saturday.
Sajak triumphed over notable competitors including Steve Harvey for "Celebrity Feud," Ken Jennings for "Jeopardy!," Keke Palmer for "Password," and Jane Lynch for "Weakest Link." However, he was not present at the ceremony to accept the award, marking a bittersweet moment in his broadcasting legacy.
This accolade is significant as it marks the first time Sajak has been recognized by the Television Academy for his hosting duties since 1998, when he won a Daytime Emmy. Over the years, he has secured multiple awards, including Daytime Emmys in 1993 and 1997, along with a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. Across his lengthy career, he has accumulated a total of 25 nominations.
The outstanding host for a game show category made a notable shift from the Daytime Emmys to the Primetime Emmys this year. Keke Palmer won the award in 2022 for her hosting role on “Password.”
First joining “Wheel” on its debut in 1981, Sajak’s tenure came to an end in June. He co-hosted alongside Vanna White since 1982, and both served as hosts for the “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” spinoff.
White is expected to stay on the show for an additional two years, working alongside her new co-host Ryan Seacrest, who will take over Sajak’s hosting responsibilities. Seacrest’s inaugural episode as the new host of “Wheel” is set to air on Monday.
During his final episode, which aired on June 7, Sajak reflected on his career, stating, “It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.” He emphasized his commitment to maintaining the show as “a safe place for family, fun, no social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing I hope, just a game.”
Sajak announced his retirement in June 2023 via a post on X, expressing that his time on the beloved game show has been “a wonderful ride.”