PAT Sajak was seen running around town just days after his final episode of Wheel of Fortune aired on ABC.
The former game show host hasn’t slowed down since his retirement from Wheel of Fortune, which he announced to fans last summer.
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Pat, 77, was seen walking around the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles with large packages on his arm.
He had his car keys with him as he appeared to be returning after running some errands, appearing to be in high spirits.
The presenter wore a plain gray t-shirt and jeans, which he paired with sneakers, aviator sunglasses and a gray Under Armor hat.
Pat, who has hosted the beloved game show since 1981, filmed her final episode on April 5, which aired on Friday, June 7.
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He will pass the role on to American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, 49, who will officially take over in September.
PAT’S RETIREMENT PLANS
Before Pat’s final episode, he sat down with his daughter and the show’s social correspondent, Maggie, on Good Morning America.
He talked about his retirement plans and what life will be like after Wheel of Fortune.
“This was announced a long time ago, almost a year,” he said, noting, “So I’ve had time to get used to it.”
“It’s been a little dreary and all, but I’m enjoying it, taking it all in and reflecting on what a great run it was,” continued Pat.
While Wheel of Fortune may have been an important part of his life, Pat said he is looking forward to new experiences.
“There are also some other things in life that we would like to do. I’m enjoying the past year. It’s been an incredible 40 years and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.
“I’m perfectly happy if it just means I get to continue with my crossword puzzles and play with the grandkids. Hint, hint, hint. No pressure,” he joked to Maggie.
THAT’S ALL, FOLKS
At the end of Friday’s episode, Pat held back tears as she said goodbye to viewers for the last time.
“It has been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes, night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” he told viewers.
Wheel of Fortune Host Timeline
Although Pat and Vanna have been a fixture on the game show for decades, there have been other hosts
Chuck Woolery was the host from 1975 to 1981
He co-hosted alongside Susan Stafford (1975 to 1982)
Vanna White took over as host in 1982 and has been since then.
After a contract and salary dispute, the show got rid of Chuck and brought back Pat in 1982.
Pat hosted Susan for a season
He then left the game show in 1989 to host a late-night talk show for CBS.
For five months, NFL player Rolf Benirschke took his place
In July 1989, Bob Goen hosted the show on CBS
He hosted for a year and a half until the show was canceled in 1991
The show was then moved to ABC, with Pat and Vanna hosting for the foreseeable future.
In 2023, Pat announced his retirement and Ryan Seacrest was quickly named his replacement
“I always felt that privilege came with the responsibility of keeping this daily half hour a safe place for family fun.
“No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game. But little by little it became more than that,” he explained.
Before Pat’s retirement, the show has shared memorable moments over the years – including his one-liners.
Pat’s replacement was met with mixed emotions, as many fans expressed concern that Ryan would not be able to fill the host’s shoes.
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Fans will still see a familiar face, as Pat’s longtime co-host Vanna White, 67, will remain on the show.
LIKE NEW
Although Ryan has plenty of hosting experience, including his appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan, some fans said they wanted to see Vanna alongside Pat’s daughter, Maggie.
And with big shoes to fill, Ryan recently admitted he was feeling some “pressure”.
“Well, no one can ever do what Pat did. He’s amazing,” he said at Hulu’s Disney+ celebration in April.
“He made that program something very special for so long and did such a perfect and remarkable job that no one can be him.
“So I feel pressure? Of course,” he admitted.
“People love watching it. I want them to continue to love watching it, and I hope I do a great job as well.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
