Over the years, that became his brand, and it helps explain why the announcement that he’s leaving (and the swift beknighting of Ryan Seacrest as his replacement) has landed with such a thud. And it kind of says it all that Sajak-who has spent decades directing people to spin a wheel and has recently been making a reported $15 million a year for the privilege-took the bittersweet moment of his retirement as an opportunity to air a bit of grievance. Whether this is the result of game-show-host senioritis or septuagenarian social derangement, the rags love a Sajak moment. He tugged on a man’s beard, called him “Santa,” and later apologized. What was he talking about, exactly? Well, according to the tabloids that cover syndicated television like it’s Capitol Hill, Sajak’s behavior on Wheel of Fortune has grown increasingly erratic as he’s blown past the guardrails of retirement age: The longtime host, 76, was putting contestants into chokeholds and imploring celebrity guests to show off their abs. “If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!” “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months,” Sajak wrote.

The program premiered in 1975 with Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford.When Pat Sajak announced he’d be retiring from Wheel of Fortune after the show’s 41 st season, which premieres in September, he included a perfectly diva-ish swipe in his farewell message. Sajak has hosted the game show since 1981. His daughter, Maggie Sajak, covered White’s position and later became a social media correspondent for the show in 2021. The 'Wheel of Fortune' co-host has been turning letters on the show since 1982, and she temporarily took over hosting duties while Sajak underwent emergency surgery for a blocked intestine in 2019. White had not reached a deal with the game show as of June, according to Entertainment Weekly. Sajak made $15 million per year from 'Wheel of Fortune' in 2016, Forbes reported. White reportedly earns $3 million annually, while Sajak makes five times as much, according to People via Puck. Her last pay increase was reportedly nearly 20 years ago. She is reportedly in negotiations to renew her contract to continue co-hosting 'Wheel of Fortune,' according to People. White reportedly said she would remain on the beloved game show under one condition - a pay raise. 'Wheel of Fortune' has since named Ryan Seacrest as his successor.

White's upcoming absences come after Pat Sajak's retirement announcement. 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' stars Vanna White and Pat Sajak.

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