In a delightful moment during “Wheel of Fortune’s” 50th anniversary celebration, former host Pat Sajak made an unexpected cameo appearance – caught mid-sandwich by current host Ryan Seacrest’s behind-the-scenes tour.
The special moment occurred during January 7th’s episode when Seacrest took viewers on an intimate backstage tour, introducing the dedicated crew members who make the iconic game show possible. After meeting various staff members, including audience coordinators, camera operators, and the production team, Seacrest encountered his predecessor in an unscripted moment.
“This is our former host… hi, Pat,” Seacrest said, as the camera revealed Sajak casually enjoying a sandwich off-stage. The beloved former host offered a quick wave before Vanna White stepped in to ask Seacrest if he was “ready for a great show.”
Fans immediately took to social media to express their joy at seeing the legendary host. “When I saw Pat, I thought I was being pranked. And I also thought that it was a stunt double Pat Sajak. But I guess I wasn’t being pranked. I love Pat!” wrote one enthusiastic viewer.
Sajak, who began his tenure as host in 1981, announced his retirement in 2023 after more than four decades with the show. His final episode aired on June 8, 2024, making way for Seacrest to take the helm for Season 42.
While Sajak has bid farewell to the syndicated show, he isn’t completely finished with the “Wheel of Fortune” franchise. He is set to host one final season of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune,” which was originally scheduled to premiere in October 2024. However, ABC recently announced the premiere would be pushed to early 2025, citing the need to prioritize “Monday Night Football” programming.
The delay will actually align with the show’s historic milestone, as “Wheel of Fortune” first premiered on January 6, 1975. Over its 50-year run, the show has seen significant evolution, beginning with original co-hosts Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford before Sajak and White became the iconic faces of the program in the early 1980s.
The upcoming “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” season, already taped, will feature an impressive lineup of stars including Rainn Wilson, Ellie Kemper, Josh Gad, and Tiffany Haddish, all competing for $1 million in charitable prizes. The show will air on Monday nights on ABC once it premieres in 2025.
Following his retirement from the main show, Sajak, 77, has kept busy with various projects. He continues his work as chairman of the Board of Trustees for Hillsdale College, a private conservative Christian institution, and is scheduled to appear in a play called “Prescription: Murder” at the Hawaii Theatre Center in July-August 2025.
