Even Pat Sajak is surprised by his longstanding role on the “Wheel of Fortune.”
Earlier this week, Sajak, 76, replied to a cheeky tweet from an account called, @Chicago_History, joking about his own history on the gameshow.
The account had tweeted out a question asking, “If someone from 1981 suddenly woke up in 2023, what would surprise them the most?”
“That Pat Sajak was still hosting Wheel of Fortune,” he
facetiously wrote in response.
The Post reached out to Sajak’s representatives for comment.
Fortunately for some — and unfortunately for others — Sajak’s time on “Wheel of Fortune” will soon be coming to a close, which means he might not be able to joke about his gig for too much longer.
In June, Sajak announced that he would be retiring from the series after season 41, which is anticipated to air in September.
He has been hosting the gameshow for 40 years, since 1981, replacing original entertainer Chuck Woolery.
“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak declared via Twitter at the time.
“It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)” he added.
A few weeks later, his replacement was named — and it was none other than “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest, 48.
In a statement at the time, Seacrest admitted that he was “truly humbled” to be stepping into Sajak’s role.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said, in part.
“I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them,” the message continued.
He also mentioned that he was looking forward to working alongside the show’s longtime letter-turner, Vanna White — but it’s unclear if she’ll even be back for another season.
According to Puck News, White has lawyered up in an attempt to get a raise — something that she hasn’t had in 18 years.
The outlet reported that she has been making $3 million per year since 2005, while a 2016 report from Forbes alleged that Sajak cashes in a hefty $15 million a year for the hosting gig.
White is said to have hired “aggressive” powerhouse attorney Bryan Freedman to broker the deal.
TMZ also reported that the show staple is “holding out” for half of Sajak’s salary — a cool $7.5 million.
But apparently, White feels quite betrayed by the “Wheel of Fortune” execs, and thinks that they have a “lack of respect” for her.
An insider alleged to the Daily Mail last week that the game show bosses think that she is “replaceable” — something that she doesn’t feel is right.
And, although she’s “happy” to work with Seacrest, she still feels “disappointed” because the show’s heads “didn’t give her more of a chance to take over Pat’s job, or that she wasn’t able to give her two cents on the replacement.”
“This has been her life, it would be just as powerful as a death if she doesn’t continue with the show,” the source claimed.
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