About Pat Sajak
Pat Sajak is an American television personality and renowned game show host. He is most recognized as the host of the popular American TV game show "Wheel of Fortune", a role he has held since 1983. His impressive contribution to the show has earned him 19 nominations for the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host, and he has won the prestigious award three times. Prior to his stint on "Wheel of Fortune", he started his professional journey as a weatherman and also explored various game show pilot opportunities. Most recently, Sajak made the announcement in June 2023 that he will step down as the host of "Wheel of Fortune" in 2024, marking the end of the show's 41st season.
Pat Sajak Early Life & Family
Pat Sajak, born as Patrick Leonard Sajdak in Chicago, Illinois, on October 26, 1946, is an American of White ethnicity. He is a Scorpio by zodiac sign and follows the Christian religion. Coming from a humble background, Sajak's father, Leonard Anthony Sajdak, a factory worker, passed away when he was young, and his mother, Joyce Helen, remarried his step-father, Walter Backal. He also has a brother namely David Sajdak. Growing up, Sajak felt a strong drive to achieve success. In 2022, he celebrated his 76th birthday.
For his education, Sajak attended Farragut High School and graduated at 18 in 1964. He later studied at Columbia College Chicago while working as a desk clerk at the Palmer House Hotel. During the Vietnam War, Sajak served in the U.S. Army as a disc jockey for the American Forces Vietnam Network, hosting the same radio show as Adrian Cronauer and using the iconic sign-on phrase "Good Morning Vietnam!" for 14 months.
Pat Sajak Career
- Pat Sajak's initial career journey in broadcasting began when he won a contest on WLS radio and later landed a job as a newsman at WEDC radio in Chicago.
- After serving as a disc jockey in Vietnam during his time in the U.S. Army, he had a stint at a radio station in Murray, Kentucky.
- In the early 1970s, Sajak joined WSM in Nashville as a DJ before transitioning to television, where he worked as a voiceover artist and weather reporter for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles.
- In 1981, he was initially rejected as the host of "Wheel of Fortune" by NBC's president, but Merv Griffin insisted on his hiring, leading to a delay in tapings until Sajak was brought on board.
- The issue became irrelevant when NBC's president was replaced, and Sajak went on to host both the daytime and syndicated evening versions of the show, becoming the longest-running game show host in history according to Guinness World Records.
- Sajak had a brief acting role in Airplane II: The Sequel (1982) and left the daytime version of Wheel of Fortune in 1989 to host his own talk show, replaced by Rolf Benirschke and later Bob Goen.
- He also made appearances on game shows like Super Password, Password Plus, Dream House, Just Men!, and Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour.
- Pat hosted a short-lived late-night talk show on CBS, had guest-hosting roles on Larry King Live and Live with Regis and Kelly, and hosted Pat Sajak Weekend on Fox News.
- He also had a syndicated radio sports talk show and served as an external director for Eagle Publishing and a board member for the Claremont Institute.
- Additionally, he appeared in the soap opera "Days of Our Lives" in 1983. He appeared as himself on the children's cartoon show "Rugrats" in 1994.
- Sajak played an April Fool's Day prank on Wheel of Fortune, hosted Jeopardy! as a substitute, and made guest appearances on The King of Queens. He writes for National Review Online, contributes to Ricochet.com, and has authored puzzle games.
- He has also appeared on ESPN Radio and serves as a Consulting Producer for Wheel of Fortune since 2020.
- Sajak and White host Prime Time Celebrity "Wheel of Fortune" and will continue as hosts through the 2023-24 season. He voiced a singing bust in a Muppets Haunted Mansion special. He announced his retirement as host of "Wheel of Fortune" in 2024, after the 41st season.
Pat Sajak Wife & Children
Pat Sajak is happily married to his wife, Lesly Brown, since December 31, 1989. They began dating in 1988 and have been together ever since. They have two children together, Patrick Michael James Sajak (born September 22, 1990) and Maggie Marie Sajak (born January 5, 1995). Prior to his marriage with Lesly, Pat was in a relationship with Sherrill Sajak, whom he married in 1979. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1986 after seven years together.
Pat Sajak Net Worth
Pat Sajak, a renowned television personality and game show host, has had a successful career spanning over four decades. Through his work in the entertainment industry, he has amassed a considerable fortune. As of 2023, his estimated net worth is $75 million, with an annual salary of $15 million. Sajak resides in Severna Park, Maryland, with his wife and children. He owns a valuable mansion in Maryland, worth approximately $1.275 million, and another residence in Los Angeles that remains shrouded in mystery. Pat drives a four-door, Porsche. He added, " When he pulls out of the driveway, it’s like a jet taking off. He’s got four mufflers." In addition to his television appearances, Sajak has made wise investments, including co-ownership of Great American Deals and involvement in Whyville, a virtual world for educational purposes. He has also invested in the Golden Baseball League and holds positions on the Board of Trustees at Hillsdale College and the Clairmont Institute. Alongside his accomplishments in various fields, Sajak has made successful real estate investments, including his current home in Maryland.
Pat Sajak Height & Weight
Pat Sajak has always been committed to maintaining a well-toned body. He has an average build and stands at a height of 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm). With a weight of 80 kg (176.5 lbs), he keeps himself in good shape. While his hair color used to be light brown, it has turned gray as he has gotten older. His captivating blue eyes are one of his distinguishing features. Pat is also known for his charming dimpled smile, which adds to his overall appeal.
Health Update
Despite being in his mid-70s, Pat Sajak is in relatively good health. However, he experienced a health scare in 2019 when he had to undergo emergency surgery for a blocked intestine. The Daytime Emmy Award winner described the pain as sudden and excruciating, and he wasn't sure if he would survive. Luckily, he underwent surgery within a short span of time, leading to a successful recovery. Less than a month later, Sajak returned to work, feeling as good as before. He humorously remarked that his wits were intact, allowing him to continue selling vowels for a long time.
