Intro Great interview by Peter Robinson
on Pat Sajak’s life and career “There’s certainly no show business in my
blood, at all…and yet, it is something I have always aspired to. I grew up watching
Jack Paar on television on The Tonight Show and he was sort of my idol and I would sneak
out of bed at night not to go out with the guys or grab a beer but it was to turn on The
Tonight Show and see what Jack was up to.” Pat Sajak is an American television
icon celebrated for his long-running role as the host of the game show "Wheel
of Fortune." Sajak's career began in radio, serving as a disc jockey for Armed Forces
Radio in Vietnam during his military service. He transitioned to television as a weatherman
for KNBC-TV in LA in the late 1970s. In 1981, Sajak's big break came when he
was chosen by Merv Griffin to host "Wheel of Fortune," a decision that
turned the show into a household staple. Known for his quick wit, friendly demeanor,
and remarkable chemistry with co-host Vanna White, Sajak has become a beloved
figure in American entertainment. His contributions to television have earned
him a prominent place in the annals of game show history, and his legacy continues to
inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. And yet, his journey on Wheel of
Fortune is now coming to an end… PAT SAJAK’S EARLY LIFE AND CAREER Pat Sajak’s Early Life and Career First opening monologue of
Pat’s short-lived talk show “Thank you that was a tremendous reception and
it fills me with the energy I need because I didn’t sleep well last night – a lot of anxiety
about the new show and if that weren’t enough, I had a really weird dream. Would you
like to hear about it by any chance?” Pat Sajak grew up in a modest household.
His father, Leonard Anthony Sajdak, a factory worker, passed away when Pat was
young, leaving his mother, Joyce Helen, to raise him. From an early age, Sajak exhibited
a keen interest in broadcasting and entertainment. Sajak attended Farragut High School in
Chicago and later enrolled at Columbia College Chicago. He got his first taste
of the media world by serving as a newsman at a local radio station, WEDC, where
he gained valuable on-air experience. In 1968, during the Vietnam War, Sajak joined the
U.S. Army. His military service proved to be a turning point in his career. He was assigned to
Armed Forces Radio in Saigon, a role that brought him under the mentorship of Adrian Cronauer, the
renowned disc jockey whose experiences inspired the movie "Good Morning, Vietnam." Cronauer's
influence was instrumental in shaping Sajak's broadcasting style. This period honed his skills
in engaging audiences, handling live broadcasts, and infusing humor into his work, traits that
would later define his television career. After his military service, Sajak returned
to civilian life and continued pursuing his passion for radio. He landed a job
at a small radio station in Murray, Kentucky, where he served as a DJ and
newsman. His time in Kentucky was brief, but it provided him with further
experience and exposure in the field. Sajak then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where
he worked at the Spanish-speaking radio station, WSMV-AM, an unusual role for someone who
didn't speak Spanish fluently. However, his dedication and versatility enabled
him to connect with the station's audience, showcasing his ability to adapt and
excel in diverse broadcasting environments. This period also underscored his commitment to building
a career in media, regardless of the challenges. While working in Nashville, Sajak's talent did
not go unnoticed. He transitioned to a local English-speaking radio station, WSM, where he
worked as a DJ and eventually took on the role of a talk show host. His charismatic voice
and engaging personality quickly earned him a loyal following. It was during this time that
Sajak began to nurture his dream of becoming a late-night talk show host. Inspired by
television legends like Johnny Carson, Sajak envisioned himself commanding the stage
in front of a live audience, engaging in witty banter with celebrity guests, and becoming
a household name in late-night television. In the mid-1970s, Sajak moved to Los Angeles, a
city synonymous with entertainment opportunities. He continued his radio career at various
stations, further polishing his skills and broadening his horizons. His big break in
television came in 1977 when he was hired as a weatherman at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles.
Although this role was outside his primary ambition of late-night television, it
provided him with valuable on-camera experience and increased his visibility
in the competitive world of broadcasting. Sajak's time as a weatherman was marked
by his affable demeanor and quick wit, traits that endeared him to viewers and
colleagues alike. His unique approach to weather reporting, which often included
humorous asides and light-hearted commentary, set him apart from other broadcasters.
This period was crucial in establishing his reputation as a versatile and
engaging television personality. Despite his success in radio and as a weatherman,
Sajak never abandoned his dream of hosting a late-night talk show. In 1989, he got his chance
with "The Pat Sajak Show," a late-night talk show that aired on CBS. The show featured a
traditional format with celebrity interviews, comedy sketches, and musical performances.
Although it initially generated excitement and anticipation, it struggled to compete with
established programs in the same time slot, particularly "The Tonight
Show Starring Johnny Carson." "The Pat Sajak Show" lasted just over
a year before being canceled due to low ratings. Despite its short run, the
experience was invaluable for Sajak. It provided him with a platform to
demonstrate his talents as a talk show host and deepened his understanding
of the television industry. Moreover, Wheel of Fortune it underscored the challenges of breaking into the
highly competitive late-night television market. WHEEL OF FORTUNE Pat discusses the impact and legacy of the show “You know my whole attitude about the show and
it’s audience and it’s impact and all that stuff that you’ve been seeing on that video and eharing
about – it changes as you get older. You get a greater appreciation of it. When we started we
were doing a game show, we all wanted to get wealthy – well that worked! But you didn’t think
too much about what it meant to people’s lives.” Pat Sajak's journey to becoming the host
of "Wheel of Fortune" began in the late 1970s, a period marked by his growing prominence
in the broadcasting world. At that time, Sajak was working as a weatherman for KNBC-TV in
Los Angeles, where his engaging on-screen presence and quick wit caught the attention
of viewers and industry insiders alike. The turning point in Sajak's career came in
1981, when Merv Griffin, the creator of "Wheel of Fortune," was searching for a new host to
replace Chuck Woolery. Griffin had a vision for the show that required a host with a distinctive
charm and an ability to connect effortlessly with the audience. Upon seeing Sajak's work
on KNBC, Griffin was convinced that Sajak had the right qualities for the job. Despite
Griffin's confidence in his choice, the network executives at NBC were initially hesitant,
doubting Sajak's suitability for the role. Undeterred, Griffin insisted on his
choice, even threatening to halt production of the show if Sajak was
not hired. His persistence paid off, and Sajak was given the opportunity to host
"Wheel of Fortune." Sajak made his debut on the daytime version of the show on December 28,
1981. His natural rapport with the audience and contestants quickly dispelled any doubts about
his capability, and he became an instant hit. "Wheel of Fortune" soon became a cultural
phenomenon under Sajak's stewardship. Sajak's friendly and humorous demeanor, along with his
easy-going interaction with co-host Vanna White, contributed significantly to the show's appeal. The show's popularity soared throughout the 1980s
and 1990s, solidifying its status as a staple of American television. Part of its success can be
attributed to its accessibility and universal appeal. The straightforward gameplay,
combined with the excitement of watching contestants win significant prizes, made "Wheel
of Fortune" a favorite among viewers of all ages. As the years went by, "Wheel of Fortune"
evolved into more than just a game show; it became a cultural institution. The show's
enduring success can be attributed to several factors, including its timeless format,
the consistent presence of Sajak and White, and its ability to adapt to changing
times while retaining its core appeal. Pat Sajak's contribution to the show's success
cannot be overstated. His steady presence and affable personality have been central to
the show's identity. Sajak's wit and humor, The Wheel Will Keep Spinning, but Pat’s Retiring combined with his professionalism, have
endeared him to generations of viewers. THE WHEEL WILL KEEP SPINNING, BUT PAT’S RETIRING [Pat’s closing speech on his final episode] “It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited
into millions of homes, night after night, year after year, decade after decade. And I’ve
always felt that the privilege came with the 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. Thank you all so very much. And goodbye.” As of June 2024, Pat Sajak has
retired from hosting "Wheel of Fortune," concluding an impressive
40-year run. Reflecting on his tenure, Sajak expressed gratitude for the memorable
journey and the show's enduring success. He plans to retire from work mostly but
made a notable appearance in a small role in the community theater production
of "Prescription: Murder" in Hawaii. With Sajak's departure, Ryan Seacrest
is set to take over as the new host, promising a new era for the beloved game show. Outro Now let’s hear from you: Do you think that Wheel of
Fortune will continue to be a popular show now that Pat Sajak is retiring? Or is it Pat Sajak along with Vanna White who made the show and without seeing them
together the show just won’t be the same?