Pat Sajak is one of the most recognizable and beloved television personalities in America.
He has been hosting the popular game show Wheel of Fortune since 1981, making him the longest-running game show host for the same show in history.
But how old is Pat Sajak, and how does he manage to stay so young and energetic after four decades of spinning the wheel?
Pat Sajak’s Age and Career
The birthplace of Pat Sajak is Chicago, Illinois, on October 26th, 1946. As of September 2023, he will have reached the ripe old age of 76. On October 26, 2023, he’ll be 77 years old.
After finishing high school in 1964, he worked as a desk clerk at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago while attending Columbia College.
He altered the spelling of his last name from Sajdak to Sajak to more accurately represent how it is spoken in the United States.
Early life and education
It was watching Jack Paar on The Tonight Show as a kid that sparked Sajak’s interest in broadcast entertainment. In an interview from 2012, he stated: “I would sneak out of bed at night not to go out with the guys or grab a beer but it was to turn on The Tonight Show and see what Jack was up to.”
Sajak got his start in the industry in 1966, when he did odd tasks for a radio station. After that, in 1967, he enrolled in the United States Army and, after being sent to Vietnam, became a radio DJ for the military in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City). For 14 months, he signed on to his own version of the Dawn Buster radio program with the identical “Good Morning Vietnam!” greeting that Adrian Cronauer had used.
Wheel of Fortune hosting tenure
Sajak had a hard time finding consistent work after being released from the military in 1970. Eventually, he became a radio disc jockey and TV broadcaster for WSM, the Nashville station that is an affiliate of NBC. When the weekend weatherman departed the station, Sajak was a natural option to take his position since he often stepped in for regular newscasters.
Sajak got his big break when Wheel of Fortune founder Merv Griffin saw potential in him. After Chuck Woolery resigned in 1981, Griffin needed to find a replacement host for the daytime edition of the game show. Griffin was impressed by Sajak’s character and humor and decided to hire him. After accepting, Sajak relocated to Los Angeles to begin his new job.
Sajak was an immediate favorite with viewers because to his clever interactions with competitors and his 1982 addition of co-host Vanna White. Sajak has also presided over the nightly broadcast of Wheel of Fortune for the syndicate since its inception in 1983. He rose to fame and fortune as a presenter of a successful television game show.
Sajak’s performance on Wheel of Fortune has earned him several accolades. He has been nominated for the Outstanding Game Show Host Daytime Emmy Award 19 times and has won three times. In addition, in 1994, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He surpassed Bob Barker as the game show presenter with the longest career in 2019, as acknowledged by the Guinness World Records.
Pat Sajak’s Secrets to Staying Young and Energetic
Pat Sajak has been hosting Wheel of Fortune for over 40 years, but he still looks youthful and vibrant. How does he do it? Here are some of his secrets to staying young and energetic:
Healthy lifestyle choices
Sajak follows a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. He avoids processed foods, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine. He also drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out toxins.
Regular exercise routine
Sajak exercises regularly to keep his body fit and strong. He enjoys walking, jogging, biking, swimming, golfing, and playing tennis. He also does some weight training and yoga to tone his muscles and improve his flexibility.
Positive mindset and stress management
Sajak maintains a positive mindset and attitude towards life. He is grateful for his success and happiness and tries not to take things too seriously. He also manages his stress levels by meditating, reading, listening to music, spending time with his family and friends, and having fun.
Personal Life and Relationships
Pat Sajak is married to Lesly Brown Sajak, a photographer whom he met through a mutual friend in 1988. They got married on December 31, 1989, and have two children together: a son named Patrick Michael James Sajak, and a daughter named Maggie Marie Sajak. The family lives in Severna Park, Maryland, and also has another home in Los Angeles, California.
Sajak is also a philanthropist who supports various causes and charities. He is the chairman of the board of trustees for Hillsdale College, a conservative liberal arts college in Michigan. He also donates to the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Salvation Army, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund.
Pat Sajak is a legend in the game show industry and a beloved figure in American culture. He has entertained millions of viewers for decades with his charm, humor, and intelligence. He has also been living a healthy, active, and fulfilling life. He is an inspiration to many people who aspire to age gracefully and joyfully.
