Pat Sajak made a rare appearance at Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on Thursday, over two years after he retired from “Wheel of Fortune.”
“I do know a little bit about longevity,” Sajak, 79, said at the induction ceremony for the Air Supply musicians. “As was pointed out, I did my little show for over 40 years, and I understand the challenge of trying not to wear out your welcome.”
Sajak noted the two musicians, whom he called his and wife Lesly Brown’s “good friends,” have performed for over 50 years and “continue to entertain their fans and be welcomed by sold-out crowds all around the world.”
“And it’s because they still do it at such a very high level,” the former TV host continued. “They never phone in their performance. They never try to live off their reputation. They go all out each and every time they step on the stage, and they never disappoint.”
Sajak also joked that in Hitchcock’s honor, he “had planned to get a large Air Supply logo tattoo on my chest,” but changed his mind cause he “thought it might detract from my nipple ring.”
“I’ll pause a moment while you poke out your mind’s eye,” he quipped.
At the end of his speech, Sajak told the pair, “It’s been a privilege to share so many wonderful moments with you, and I look forward to many, many more.”
Sajak has been lying low since he hosted his final “Wheel of Fortune” episode on June 7, 2024.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” the TV veteran said during the broadcast.
“And I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a 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,” he continued.
Sajak was replaced by Ryan Seacrest, who began hosting the series in September 2024 for the show’s 42nd season.
However, Suzanne Prete, EVP of Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, confirmed Sajak would remain on the game as a consultant for the next three years.
“We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season,” Prete said in a statement.
Additionally, Sajak’s daughter, Maggie, is the social media correspondent for “Wheel of Fortune.”
Vanna White is still the show’s letter-turner, a role she’s held since 1982.
The post Pat Sajak makes rare appearance 2 years after ‘Wheel of Fortune’ retirement appeared first on Page Six.
