Pat Sajak ’s final week on Wheel of Fortune has come to an emotional close, with his final episode airing on Friday, June 7. However, it's impossible to celebrate the the face of the game show for over 40 years without looking back at his first-ever episode. Sajak's calm demeanor, wittiness and charisma have been on full display starting from his debut episode in 1981.
Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak's retirement plans after lengthy 40 year career Wheel of Fortune's Pat Sajak on decision to quit show as he shares next move The now-77-year-old was stepping in to replace Chuck Woolery, who had hosted the show for five years prior. In his first introduction on the show, a then-35-year-old Sajak conjured up his now-famous calm humor to address his debut. "Please do not adjust your sets at home, Chuck Woolery has not shrunk," he joked, acknowledging the height difference between him and Woolery.
"As Jack [Clark] mentioned, my name is Pat Sajak and I've been fortunate enough to wander onto the set of a very successful program, has been for a long time. One of the big reasons for that success is Chuck Woolery," he said. Woolery had hosted the show since its debut in 1975 but left to pursue other endeavors within showbiz, which Sajak also mentioned.
"Chuck has decided to leave the show to concentrate on other areas in his career. He's a very talented actor and singer/songwriter, so I want to take a minute — I know everyone in the studio does, and all his fans around the country �.
