Is Pat Sajak Still Alive? The 5 Biggest Post-Retirement Projects Of The Wheel Of Fortune Legend
The question "Is Pat Sajak still alive?" is a common search query that spikes whenever a beloved, long-serving television icon steps away from the spotlight. As of today, December 23, 2025, we can confirm that the legendary former host of *Wheel of Fortune*, Pat Sajak, is indeed alive, healthy, and busier than ever, having recently celebrated his 79th birthday with a promise of new ventures. His departure from the iconic game show in 2024 marked the end of an era, but it was far from the end of his career, as the host has quickly pivoted to new and surprising projects, proving that retirement is just a new chapter for the game show titan.
The confusion surrounding his status is understandable, as his final episode of the syndicated *Wheel of Fortune* aired on June 7, 2024, after a monumental 41-season run, leading many to wonder what the 79-year-old was doing next. Instead of a quiet life, Sajak has embraced a new phase, which includes a return to the stage and a special comeback to the very wheel he left behind. The transition from daily television to these new roles has kept him firmly in the public eye and put to rest any rumors about his health or status.
Pat Sajak: A Complete Biography and Profile
Patrick Leonard Sajdak, known professionally as Pat Sajak, built one of the most enduring careers in television history, becoming synonymous with the American game show landscape.
- Full Name: Patrick Leonard Sajdak
- Date of Birth: October 26, 1946
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 79
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Career: Television Personality, Game Show Host, Actor, Consultant, Former Newsman
- Spouse: Lesly Brown Sajak (m. 1989), Sherrill Sajak (m. 1979; div. 1986)
- Children: Patrick Michael James Sajak, Maggie Marie Sajak
- Education: Columbia College Chicago
- Key Career Milestone: Host of *Wheel of Fortune* (1981–2024), Host of *The Pat Sajak Show* (1989–1990)
- Awards: Three-time Daytime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Game Show Host.
Sajak began his career as a newsman and weatherman, famously working at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles before taking over the hosting duties of *Wheel of Fortune* in 1981, a role that cemented his legacy for over four decades. His dry, deadpan wit and chemistry with co-host Vanna White made the show a cultural institution.
Pat Sajak's Retirement and Current Health Status
The speculation about Pat Sajak’s health and well-being often stems from his decision to retire from the daily game show. However, all recent reports confirm that his retirement was a choice to step back after a long and successful career, not a necessity due to illness.
The Official End of an Era (June 2024)
Pat Sajak officially announced his retirement in June 2023, stating that the 41st season of *Wheel of Fortune* would be his last. His final syndicated episode aired on June 7, 2024, a poignant moment that concluded his incredible 41-year tenure as host. His departure was emotional, with Sajak expressing gratitude and reflecting on his more than 8,000 episodes.
A Clean Bill of Health and New Energy
Despite the end of his daily hosting duties, Sajak has remained active on social media and in the public eye, frequently engaging with fans and offering humorous commentary. His former co-host, Vanna White, has also provided positive updates, reassuring fans of his good health. Sajak himself has teased that he has "another project or two" left before fully embracing retirement, indicating a healthy and active future.
The 5 Biggest Projects Pat Sajak is Pursuing Post-Wheel
Far from fading into obscurity, Pat Sajak has quickly transitioned his talents to new and exciting ventures. His post-*Wheel of Fortune* career is a testament to his enduring love for entertainment.
1. Return to the Wheel for the Spinoff Series
In a surprising and welcome move for fans, Pat Sajak is making a special return to the franchise. He is slated to host Season 5 of the primetime spinoff, *Celebrity Wheel of Fortune*. This limited engagement allows him to keep his connection to the show he loves, but without the rigorous daily schedule, offering a perfect balance between work and his new phase of life.
2. Starring in a Stage Play in Hawai'i (Summer 2025)
One of the most unexpected turns in his post-retirement life is his return to the theater. Sajak is set to star in a stage production of the classic murder mystery, *Prescription: Murder*, in Hawai'i in the summer of 2025. This venture into acting and the dramatic arts is a significant shift from his game show persona and highlights his versatility as a performer.
3. Teasing "Another Project or Two"
Upon celebrating his 79th birthday in late 2025, Sajak took to social media to thank fans and cryptically promised to "stay tuned" for what he has in store, suggesting more projects are on the horizon. This has fueled speculation among fans and the media about a possible book, documentary, or another television role, showcasing his willingness to explore new avenues.
4. Passing the Torch to Ryan Seacrest
While not a personal project, Sajak's legacy continues through his involvement in the transition of *Wheel of Fortune*. His retirement paved the way for the new host, Ryan Seacrest, to take over, an event that has dominated entertainment news and kept Sajak's name in the headlines.
5. Embracing Life as a Grandfather and Family Man
With the demanding schedule of daily television behind him, Sajak now has more time to focus on his personal life, including spending time with his wife, Lesly Brown Sajak, and his children, Maggie and Patrick. His daughter, Maggie Sajak, has also been a prominent figure on *Wheel of Fortune* as a social correspondent, keeping the family's connection to the show alive. This focus on family is a quieter but significant post-career "project."
Conclusion: The Legacy of a Game Show Titan
The answer to the question "Is Pat Sajak still alive?" is a resounding yes, and he is thriving. His retirement from *Wheel of Fortune* in 2024 was a monumental moment in television history, but it was merely a transition, not an ending. At 79, Pat Sajak continues to be an active, witty, and engaging personality, moving from the spin of the wheel to the spotlight of the stage. His ongoing projects, from hosting the celebrity spinoff to his return to theater, ensure that the beloved game show legend will remain a fixture in American entertainment for years to come.
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