PAT SAJAK’s last episode on Wheel of Fortune aired tonight, and it wasn’t without one last gag from the host.
Pat, 77, chopped a round off of his last-ever show on June 7, 2024, but didn’t let the stunned players stay empty-handed.
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Pat Sajak had one last trick up his sleeve to end his last episode everCredit: Wheel of Fortune
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He cut a puzzle out for time, ‘which kind of robs you people’ but made up for it by giving everyone a $5000 freebieCredit: Wheel of Fortune
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‘It’s not my money!’ he exclaimed in a classic last-act moveCredit: Wheel of Fortune
After 43 years, 8000 episodes, and more dumb answers than anyone could count, Pat wrapped on Wheel of Fortune.
He donned a double-breasted suit for his final show while Vanna donned a glittering red dress.
He held court with three contestants: Tammy, Nino, and Adrienne.
Following the Toss Up round, Pat said that “most people know” that Friday evening was his last episode.
Pat Sajak holds back tears & says ‘that’s it’ in final words on last WoF episode
He explained that because he needed to save time to share a few words at the end of the episode.
“We’re going to cut out a round, which kind of robs you people,'” Pat admitted to the three confused contestants.
“Here’s what I’ve decided; it’s been a long time since I spun the wheel; I’m going to spin it, and I’m going to add $1,000 to whatever I land on, and everyone’s going to get that amount.”
Pat jaunted over to the wheel and spun it himself and landed on $1,000, making it $2000.
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He decided to bump that up to a free $5000 for each player.
“It’s not my money!” he exclaimed as the contestants burst out laughing.
“Little Jimmy’s surgery can wait,” the host quipped.
‘HERE FOR IT!’
Fans loved the off-the-cuff moment to end Pat’s tenure on social media.
One X user wrote, “Pat Sajak has gone fully rogue for his last night as the host of Wheel of Fortune.”
“Pat just said I’m retiring and it ain’t my money!!! I’m here for it. He fully just said ‘Get somebody else to do it,'” wrote another.
MOVING MESSAGE
Antics aside, Pat closed his time on Wheel with an incredible personal message to TV viewers.
“Well, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said to end the season and his four decades.
“I have a few thanks and acknowledgments before I go, and I want to start with all watching out there.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” he said.
“What an honor to have played even a small part in all of that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
“Every time we taped a show, I met three new people from all parts of this wonderful country and the world, who were kind and considerate.
“Who rooted for each other, who took great pride in talking about their family, their hometown, their friends, their schools, their jobs, even their pets.”
“In the end, they were the real stars of this show,” he continued. “I genuinely like these people, and I’ll miss the chance to meet more of them.”
He said it was a “joy” to work with the staff, “everyone pulled together. It worked because you made it work.”
And “finally, to my professional other half dear Vanna. Like me, she takes the show very seriously but not herself.
“I shudder to think what this show would have been like had they brought someone in all full of themselves playing the prima donna role.
“Vanna is as sweet and as unassuming as she seems. I want to thank her for her lovely goodbye on yesterday’s show.
“While I’ll very much miss working with her, I take solace in the fact that we live about five miles apart, so we’ll see plenty of each other,” he said.
“But I will miss our nightly closes, and her laughter and her good nature. She is a very special woman.”
“I know you’re all pleased to know she’ll be back next season.”
Pat closed, promising you’ll be seeing more of him on summer reruns.
“That’s it!” he concluded. “Thank you all so very much, and goodbye.”
Vanna swept in for a hug as the audience roared, thus concluding Pat’s last show.
Plus, Pat’s time ended with a win as Adrienne with $28,900 and aced the bonus puzzle, getting $50,000 more – before Pat’s gorgeous tribute ended his tenure.
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Pat Sajak ended his Wheel of Fortune finale with an incredible speechCredit: Wheel of Fortune
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He and Vanna tearfully huggedCredit: Wheel of Fortune
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‘Thank you all so very much, and goodbye’Credit: Wheel of Fortune
VANNA’S MOVING MESSAGE
During Pat’s penultimate episode on Thursday, Vanna, 67, delivered an emotional message for Pat after 41 years together.
Pat then told viewers that Vanna had something prepared – and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
The broadcast cut to Vanna saying goodbye as she cried in an incredible pre-taped video.
“I can’t believe tomorrow is our last show together,” Vanna said, forcing a smile.
“I don’t know how to put into words what these last 41 years have meant to me. But I’m going to try.
“Eight thousand episodes went by like that.
“You made me feel so comfortable, so confident,” said Vanna, who has become a letter-turning legend.
“You made me who I am. You really did.”
“We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, we’ve celebrated- oh gosh. What an incredible and unforgettable journey we’ve had.
Vanna added, holding back tears. “And I’ve enjoyed every minute of it with you.”
She took a deep breath and continued as her eyes welled.
“You’re like a brother to me, and I consider you a true lifelong friend who I will always adore.”
“I love you, Pat.”
Vanna will continue as co-host and letter-turner on Wheel of Fortune in Season 42 with new host Ryan Seacrest this fall.
‘WONDERFUL RIDE’
Pat has been a living room mainstay on Wheel of Fortune for 41 years, so fans were shocked and moved when he announced his upcoming retirement.
Sajak revealed the news in a personal note on X, formerly Twitter, on June 12, 2023.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” he tweeted.
“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!)” he added.
Pat will stay on the show in a producer role to oversee the transition for the next three years.
WINNING LEGACY
Pat was born on October 26, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, and got his start as a disc jockey and played various stints at radio stations.
He also landed a job serving in the US Army as a DJ for the American Forces Vietnam Network during the war, entertaining soldiers out in Vietnam.
Pat took over for original host Chuck Woolery in 1981 and has become to many the last longstanding game show host on TV.
Sajak has received 19 Emmy nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host and has won in the category three times.
Due to Sajak’s successful career, he has been able to amass an extensive net worth.
He has an estimated fortune of $70 million, with an annual salary of $14 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Pat will retire with the longest career as host for the same show in history, surpassing previous record holder Bob Barker and Alex Trebek.
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It’s also a pivotal moment for TV game shows in general.
Pat is the last of the old-school game show hosts.
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Pat was all smiles throughout the sendoff showCredit: Wheel of Fortune
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Before Pat’s speech, Adrienne won the bonus round in a letter-perfect sendoff
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She spun off with a whopping $78,738 and thus concluding Pat Sajak’s era on Wheel
