After hosting “Wheel of Fortune” for an impressive 41 seasons, Pat Sajak will retire and take on a new challenge. Sajak is already preparing for his next venture, a leading role in the crime play “Prescription: Murder” in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The play will debut next summer at the historic Hawaii Theatre and will feature Sajak in a role vastly different from his familiar television personality. He will play a brilliant psychiatrist enmeshed in a complex plot. The play, which inspired the character of the famous detective Columbo, is anticipated to engage audiences with its intricate game of cat and mouse.
Notably, Sajak will be reuniting with his longtime friend Joe Moore, a well-known news anchor for KHON-TV in Hawaii. The duo’s partnership at Hawaii Theatre has lasted more than three decades, producing hits such as “The Odd Couple” and “The Honeymooners.” Sajak recently revealed that he and Moore have a unique chemistry on stage and hopes it will infuse new life into the classic thriller.
The play, featuring Sajak’s character, Dr. Roy Flemming, will run from July 31 to August 10, 2025. Flemming devises a clever alibi to rid himself of his domineering wife, played by Amy K. Sullivan. As the story unfolds, Moore’s character, Lt. Columbo, starts to dismantle Flemming’s plan, culminating in a gripping finale.
The cast also includes local talent such as Bryce Moore, Therese Olival, and Aiko Chinen. Directed by Rob Duval, the production aims to provide a fresh interpretation of this classic mystery.
Reflecting on his departure from “Wheel of Fortune,” Sajak expressed a sense of contentment and anticipation. “It’s a perfect time for a change. Hosting has been a significant part of my life, but I’m excited about returning to my first love—theater,” he stated, adding jovially that he is “patiently waiting for grandkids.”
Ryan Seacrest, set to succeed Sajak as the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” acknowledged the significant legacy he is stepping into. “Stepping into Pat’s shoes is an immense honor. I look forward to continuing the show’s legacy and hope to bring my own flavor to it,” Seacrest said.
The transition of Pat Sajak from a television game show host to a stage actor underscores his artistic journey and exploration. His new role not only highlights his theatrical skills but also reconnects him with his roots in drama, demonstrating that successful careers can take interesting new directions.
