The Last Spin: 5 Surprising New Ventures Pat Sajak Is Pursuing After Wheel Of Fortune
Pat Sajak, the legendary host of *Wheel of Fortune* for over four decades, is officially in a new chapter of his career. Following his final syndicated episode in June 2024, the game show icon is not embracing a quiet retirement but rather diving headfirst into a surprising new venture: the theater stage. This article, updated in late December 2025, details his current and upcoming projects, from the final curtain call on the small screen to his highly anticipated return to acting.
The transition marks the end of an era in American syndicated television, with Sajak having hosted the puzzle-solving institution for 41 seasons. While his replacement, Ryan Seacrest, has taken over the famous wheel, Sajak remains a busy man, taking on consultancy work, a final hosting run, and a dramatic role that will see him star alongside a longtime friend.
Pat Sajak: A Legendary Career and Biography Snapshot
After a monumental 41-season run, Pat Sajak's departure from *Wheel of Fortune* is one of the biggest television stories of the decade. His journey from a weatherman to a game show titan is a testament to his enduring appeal and wit. Here is a brief look at the man behind the famous catchphrases:
- Full Name: Patrick Leonard Sajdak
- Date of Birth: October 26, 1946
- Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois
- Spouse: Lesly Brown Sajak (m. 1989)
- Children: Patrick Michael James Sajak and Maggie Sajak
- Career Highlights: Hosted *Wheel of Fortune* from 1981 to 2024 (syndicated version), making him the longest-running host of any single game show in television history. His final episode aired on June 7, 2024.
- Previous Roles: Weatherman for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles; hosted the short-lived *The Pat Sajak Show* (1989-1990).
- Awards: Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host.
- Post-WoF Role: Continues as a consultant for *Wheel of Fortune* and is hosting the final season of *Celebrity Wheel of Fortune* (until 2025).
1. Taking the Final Spin on 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune'
While Pat Sajak’s time on the syndicated nightly *Wheel of Fortune* has concluded, he is not entirely off the air yet. Fans of the charismatic host can still catch him leading the spin-off, *Celebrity Wheel of Fortune*. This version, which features famous faces playing for charity, is set to be his final television hosting commitment.
According to recent reports, Sajak will return to host the show’s final season, which is scheduled to run until 2025. This final run allows the television host to have a graceful and extended farewell, giving fans a little more time with the beloved icon before he fully steps away from the game show format. It also provides a smooth transition period as Ryan Seacrest settles into the main show, ensuring the *Wheel of Fortune* brand remains strong across all platforms. Sajak’s daughter, Maggie Sajak, continues to work as the show’s social correspondent, keeping a family connection to the franchise. The show is a testament to the enduring legacy of the game show created by Merv Griffin.
2. Starring in the Play ‘Prescription: Murder’ in Hawaii
The most surprising and highly anticipated new venture for Pat Sajak is his return to the theater stage. Far from a restful retirement, Sajak is taking on a dramatic acting role, a significant shift from his decades of lighthearted television hosting.
Sajak is set to star in the play *Prescription: Murder*, a stage adaptation of the classic *Columbo* TV movie, alongside his longtime friend, KHON-TV Hawaii newscaster Joe Moore. The production is scheduled to run from July 31, 2025, through August 10, 2025, at The Hawaii Theatre. This project showcases a different facet of Sajak's talents, allowing him to explore his passion for the performing arts outside the constraints of a daily game show. This move proves that the game show icon is actively pursuing new challenges in his post-*Wheel* career, focusing on creative endeavors like community theater.
3. Serving as a Consultant for the Wheel of Fortune Franchise
While Pat Sajak has handed over the hosting duties, his deep institutional knowledge of *Wheel of Fortune* is not going to waste. Sajak will remain connected to the show he helped define by serving as a consultant.
This role is crucial for ensuring a seamless transition. As Ryan Seacrest takes the helm, Sajak's input can help maintain the show's integrity, format, and beloved traditions. His experience, spanning over four decades, provides an invaluable resource for the production team. This behind-the-scenes role allows him to mentor the new host and guide the show's direction without the daily grind of on-camera work, securing the future of the popular game show.
4. Enjoying Family Time and Personal Hobbies
After more than 8,000 episodes, the sheer volume of time that Pat Sajak has freed up is immense. While his professional life remains active, a significant part of his post-*Wheel* life is dedicated to enjoying personal time and hobbies that were often sidelined by his demanding schedule.
Sajak is known to be a private individual with a keen interest in conservative politics and various sports. His retirement allows him to spend quality time with his wife, Lesly Brown Sajak, and their children, Patrick and Maggie. Furthermore, the longtime television host is an avid Washington Nationals baseball fan, and one can expect to see him enjoying more games and pursuing other personal interests, such as writing and potentially other forms of show business, as he hinted in a recent social media post. The ability to travel and relax without the constant pressure of a syndicated television schedule is a major benefit of his retirement.
5. Teasing 'Another Project or Two' Before Full Retirement
Pat Sajak is not one to fully fade into the background. In a recent update, the former host of *Wheel of Fortune* celebrated his 79th birthday (October 2025) by hinting at more projects to come. He told fans to "stay tuned" and promised "another project or two before retirement."
This tease suggests that his role in *Prescription: Murder* and his final season of *Celebrity Wheel of Fortune* are just the beginning of his new endeavors. Fans are speculating about what these future projects might be, with possibilities ranging from a memoir detailing his experiences with Vanna White and the game show, a return to radio (where he started his career), or perhaps a guest appearance on another major show. Whatever the case, the game show icon is clearly not ready to stop entertaining the public, ensuring that his name remains a relevant fixture in show business for years to come.
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