Wheel of Fortune, created by Merv Grifin, first aired in 1975 and since has been the wholesome American game show for generations. Millions tune in for the live version of Hangman, guessing the correct letters or rather screaming them on the screen.
The highlight of the show is the unpredictability of the Wheel of Fortune. The decades of spinning and solving the puzzles were only a format, but the soul of it lay in the dynamic partnership between the hosts, Pat Sajak and Vanna White.
But every legacy must come to an end; Sajak took to Twitter to announce his departure from the show.
After 40 years of entertaining with his quips and wits, Pat is retiring, leaving a burning question in everyone’s minds– Who will fill his shoes?
Who Is Pat Sajak’s Replacement, Vanna White?
Vanna White debuted in Wheel Of Fortune in December 1982. She was previously a contestant on Miss Georgia USA 1978 pageant. She also made a brief appearance on The Price Is Right, although she did not quite make it on the screen.
Wheel Of Fortune marked her official showbiz journey.
She also appeared in several sit-coms as Herself–
With Pat’s hosting, Vanna’s charming stage presence and cheerful personality complemented each other.
As she turned the letters for decades, fans couldn’t help but nominate her to replace Pat as the main host.
How Old Are Pat Sajak and Vanna White?
Pat Sajak started the show in 1983 when he was 36 years old. And now he is retiring at the age of 76. His phenomenal contribution to the show garnered him 19 times nominations for Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host, and he won thrice. Vanna White was 26 years old when she first appeared on the show and is now 66 and still serving looks.
She has donned around 7000 elegant dresses for the show, making an influential fashion statement for television. Some fans even estimated that she must have walked over 3000 miles on that stage so far, yet her classic high heels never missed a step with the model walk.
Pat and Vanna’s bond on the show created some of the most memorable moments on the show. With his announcement, she expressed her gratitude for trusting her in a heartwarming reply–
“When we started@WheelofFortune, who could have imagined we’d still be at it 41 seasons later? I couldn’t be happier to have shared the stage with you for all these years, with one more to come. Cheers to you,@patsajak!”
When Did Vanna White Substitute for Pat Sajak?
There was a time of crisis in Wheel of Fortune when Sajak had to get urgent surgery. Vanna White confidently took up the challenge of hosting the show by herself in 2019. She hosted the show for over three weeks, and fans were excited to see her first spin after 37 years on the show.
She managed to enthrall the audience with her charm, which is why she is now the most sought-after candidate as Pat’s replacement.
Will Vanna White Stay on Wheel of Fortune?
There are a few rumors from insiders that she might also be fired from the show. Mayim Bialik, from The Big Bang Theory fame, is also associated with the project.
However, fans are still demanding Vanna’s continuation, even at 66 years of age.
Pat Sajak’s daughter, Maggie, filled in Vanna’s shoes as a letter tuner last May. Since then, both ladies have been appointed for the position.
The executives have not revealed much, so it is a waiting game of fortune.
What are your thoughts on Pat’s retirement? Will you tune in if Vanna White is the host of the show? Or do you believe a younger host will keep things interesting on the Wheel of Fortune?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Leaving you with the classic Wheel Of Fortune meme–