Check Out Pat Sajak’s First Appearance On Wheel
Now that Pat Sajak has hosted his final game , it’s time to go all the way to the beginning, and see Pat Sajak’s first appearance on Wheel of Fortune. You will find it is so hard to believe that Pat looked so young and boyish. You can see his shear delight and enthusiasm, and being named the new host of the show.
At the time the show’s producers were in contract talks with the longtime host of the show, Chuck Woolery. After 7 very successful years Chuck felt he was worthy of a big time fat contract. Unfortunately for him, head producer and owner of the show Merv Griffen thought otherwise and balked at the talks and decided to move on to someone else.
That would be none other than Mr. Pat Sajak. Who at the time was a very popular weather person in the Los Angeles television market. Merv was a fan of Pats humor, and wet and warmth and felt although he had never been a game show host he had so much potential.
Game shows were very popular in the 1970s during daytime television. There were at least dozens of different shows and a lot of talented game show hosts. The job as host of wheel of fortune was a plum one and desired by just about all game show host and many other Hollywood performers. For Pat to get the job, as someone who had never hosted, was unheard of, and risky. If he failed, Merv would’ve looked foolish and quickly moved on to someone more established.
Luckily it all worked out for all parties with Pat sliding into the role effortlessly and eventually being paired with the also unknown letter turner, Vanna White.
They went on to nigh time syndicated television and making a fortune themselves. After 41 years Pat has decided to move on while Vanna has decided to stick around and work with new host, Ryan Seacrest.