Pat Sajak returns for final spin on 'Wheel Of Fortune' — here's how the show changed his fortunes

Pat Sajak is one of the most iconic and successful game show hosts of all time. Leading "Wheel Of Fortune" since 1981, for a whopping 41 seasons, Sajak became a household name in America. Earlier this year, he finally hung up the mic, announcing his retirement from the show. However, it looks like the longtime host couldn't let the show go as he made a surprise return for a last spin.

An emotional goodbye

It was a bittersweet moment for fans of "Wheel Of Fortune" when Sajak bid farewell to the show after more than 40 years. On his final episode, Sajak expressed his gratitude with an emotional speech, that cut the episode's runtime short, However, being extra generous, he made up to the contestants by gifting them a $5000 parting gift each. 

“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” Sajak said at the beginning of his farewell speech. He then thanked the fans for loving the show for decades and described every contestant as “the real stars of the show."  He also thanked the crew,  the staff, the family, and his long-time co-host, Vanna White.

A surprise return

While fans thought they would never get to see their favorite host spin the wheel again, Christmas came early for them. Six months after retiring, Sajak made a surprise return for the special holiday episode of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune”. 

“Apparently I’m back on TV tonight. I guess I’d better shave and shower. @celebritywof @ABCNetwork,” Sajak wrote on X (formerly Twitter) before his return.

In the episode, he reunited with  Vanna White, who has been working alongside the new host Ryan Seacrest. Sajak will reportedly feature in the full season of Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune as well which is expected to air in early 2025. 

While that would mark a certain end to Sajak's career as a host, his legacy and fortune are already cemented. 

Pat Sajak, the popular host of "Wheel Of Fortune", has announced his plans to leave the game show next year. The 76-year-old has been hosting the show for more than four decades and has reportedly amassed $75 million, as per Fox. 

The "Wheel of Fortune" was reportedly the first TV game show to be licensed as a slot machine in casinos and other public places.

"Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last," he shared on Twitter. "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!)"

The show has moved on with Ryan Seacrest, who has a net worth of $450 million, taking over from Sajak 

Pat Sajak was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 26, 1946. Sajak graduated in 1964 from the Columbia College Chicago. He also served in the US Army as a disc jokey during the Vietnam War for the American Forces Vietnam Network. In 1981, Sajak met Merv Griffin, the creator of "Wheel Of Fortune", and asked if he was interested in taking over the duty as the host of the show from Chuck Woolery.

Sajak has also developed several puzzle games like "Lucky Letters", which combines the excitement of a game show with the challenge of a word puzzle. 

What are Pat Sajak's sources of income?

As per Celebrity Net Worth, Sajak made $14 million a year from his hosting gig but earns way more from licensing his image to "Wheel of Fortune" slot machines globally.

He reportedly makes around $15 million a year from royalties, licensing fees, and other payments related to his image to around 20,000 "Wheel of Fortune" slot machines in casinos around the world since 1996. The show tapes four times a month, and a typical taping day makes him around $291,666.