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Pat Sajak, the longtime host of “Wheel of Fortune” who for four decades asked contestants on the quiz show “Would you like to buy a vowel,” has said goodbye to the show.
In a video, Sajak called it “an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.” His final episode aired on Friday.
Sajak, 77, has recorded more than 8,000 episodes of “Wheel of Fortune” and has been active in American media since he became the host in 1981.
In 2018, he became the longest-running game show host, surpassing Bob Barker of The Price Is Right.
In 1983, co-host Vanna White joined him to host the version that audiences are familiar with today.
“I’ve always felt that with my privilege comes a responsibility to make that half hour a day a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics,” Sajak said at the end of the video.
“I hope there’s nothing awkward about it. It’s just a game.”
“But gradually, it became more than just a place. It was a place where children learned to write, where people from other countries honed their English skills, and where families, friends, neighbors and even generations came together.”
“It’s been a great privilege to be able to be part of even a small part of this,” he said, adding: “Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
In the video, his co-host Vanna White also paid tribute to her old colleague, saying: “You’re like a brother to me and I consider you a true lifelong friend and I’m going to adore you forever.”
When Sajak announced his retirement plans last year, Sony said the prime-time hit still attracted 26 million viewers a week. More than 10,000 people audition each year to be on the show.
The game was originally designed as a television version of the popular game “Hangman,” where contestants spin a wheel to determine the prizes they can win by solving crossword puzzles.
Sony said the show has awarded more than $250m (£199m) in prize money since its launch.
Ryan Seacrest, host of “American Idol,” will take over as host of “Wheel of Fortune.”
Sajak, who has sparked some controversy for his support of conservative Republicans like Marjory Taylor Greene of Georgia, has lined up his next role in the entertainment industry.
He will be performing at a community theater in Hawaii next year, starring in the play “Prescription: Murder.”
The 1962 play was the inspiration for the long-running TV series Columbo. (BBC)
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