Longtime ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host, 79, Makes Rare Appearance
The TV veteran has kept a largely private life since his retirement.
Eric McCandless/Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images
Pat Sajak has made a rare public appearance two years after retiring from hosting Wheel of Fortune.
The Emmy-winning TV personality, 79, honored Air Supply’s Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock in a speech on Oct. 8 at their Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony.
Pat Sajak has hosted Wheel of Fortune since 1981.
Christopher Willard
“It’s especially exciting for me to be here and participate in this event,” Sajak said, adding that he and his wife of 37 years, Lesly Brown Sajak, 61, are “good friends” with Air Supply.
The former TV host and his wife share two kids, Dr. Patrick Sajak, 36, and Maggie Sajak, 31.
Pat Sajak with his family at the "Stuart Little 2" Premiere at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, California.
Gregg DeGuire/Gregg DeGuire/WireImage
Looking sharp as ever in a dark blue sports jacket over a peach dress shirt and dark jeans, he congratulated his friends on entertaining fans for more than 50 years.
Former "Wheel of Fortune " host Pat Sajak speaks at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star ceremony honoring Air Supply on October 08, 2026, in Hollywood, California.
Robin L Marshall/Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
Sajak joked about knowing “a little bit about longevity,” having hosted Wheel of Fortune for more than four decades.
In 1981, Sajak took over hosting the game show from Chuck Woolery. More than four decades later, in 2024, he passed the mic to American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.
“They still do it at such a very high level,” he said about Russell and Hitchcock. “They never phone in their performance. They never try to live off their reputation. They go all out each and every time they step on the stage, and they never disappoint.”
Pat Sajak poses with honorees Russell Hitchcock and Graham Russell of Air Supply on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, on October 08, 2026.
Jeff Kravitz/Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Air Supply
Sajak added, “It’s been a privilege to share so many wonderful moments with you, and I look forward to many, many more.”
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Since his retirement, the TV veteran has kept a largely private life, reserving public appearances for special occasions and sports events.
Pat Sajak at the 2026 Discover NHL Winter Classic game between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers at loanDepot Park on January 02, 2026, in Miami, Florida.
Jaylynn Nash/Jaylynn Nash/NHLI via Getty Images
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night,” Sajak said during his last episode on June 7, 2024.
Continuing, “I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game.”
Host Pat Sajak greets Nancy Kaufman, actress Paige Hemmis, Susan Moran, actor Jeff Probst, Nick Giovine, and actress Alison Sweeney during a taping of "Wheel of Fortune Celebrity Week" celebrating the television game show's 25th anniversary at Radio City Music Hall on September 29, 2007, in New York City.
Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images
Although he is retired, he hasn’t completely stepped away from the show and remains a consultant for the series.
His daughter, who appeared as the letter-turner on Wheel of Fortune for a week in 2020 while Vanna White hosted in Sajak’s place, is also involved as the show’s on-air social media correspondent.
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