Pat Sajak

October 26, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Pat Sajak, born on October 26, 1946, is a renowned T.V. personality. He is best known as the host of the famous television show named “Wheel of Fortune.” Unbeknownst to many, he started out as a radio host and served in the U.S Army before embarking on a career in entertainment. Over the years, he has starred in an array of shows and films, thereby making him a popular face in America as well as the globe. So, let’s raise a toast and celebrate his birthday!

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Patrick Leonard Sajak

Nickname:

Pat

Birth date:

October 26, 1946

Age:

Zodiac Sign:

Scorpio

Height:

5' 10"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$70 million

Background

Patrick Leonard Sajak, popularly known as Pat Sajak, was born and raised in Chicago, United States. His father was Leonard Anthony Sajak, and his mother was Joyce Helen. Both of his parents worked in a factory in a struggle to make ends meet. Due to the poor financial condition of his family, Sajak decided at a very young age that he would achieve success in his life. On top of monetary hardships, he also had to deal with the trauma of his parent’s separation. After his parents parted ways, his mother got remarried.

Growing up, he attended Farragut High School and completed his early education. Sajak was determined to begin working and started searching for a job right after graduating. Soon, he landed an opportunity at a Chicago hotel as its desk clerk. While working at the hotel, he continued his studies at Chicago’s Columbia College.

During the early 1970s, Sajak started working as a disc jockey (D.J.). As his popularity soared, NBC offered him a voiceover job on “Today’s Show.” His role on the show quickly turned from mere voiceover to anchoring. His big break came in 1981 when he landed the role as a host for the famous T.V. show “Wheel of Fortune.” Not much later, Sajak began hosting several other programs, such as “Just Men” and “Dream House.” The star also had a small stint on “Days of our Lives” in 1983. He also appeared in the famous kid’s show “Rugrats.”

Career timeline

1970s

The Journey Begins

He starts working as a disc jockey.

1978

He Goes on Air

He becomes a weatherman for KNBC-TV.

1981

Sajak Hosts a Game Show

He begins hosting “Wheel of Fortune.”

2007

His Own Puzzle Game

Sajak releases one of his many self-designed puzzle games “Lucky Letters.”

Why We Love Pat Sajak

His humble beginnings
Sajak began his career as a mere weatherman. Today, he has come a long way from where he started and is one of the top names in television.
His perseverance
He has made a mark in entertainment completely by himself. The star is also known to work extremely hard. He is still going strong despite being in the industry for so many years now.
He worked at the Pentagon
He enlisted in the U.S Army in 1968 and was dispatched to Saigon, Vietnam. During his time there, he spoke to the troops as a DJ through the Armed Services Radio for 18 months.

5 Surprising Facts

He worked at a Spanish radio station
Sajak worked at a Spanish-language radio station, though he does not speak Spanish.
NBC did not want him as its host
The network was initially reluctant about Sajak as the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” as he was “local” talent.
He was drunk in some episodes
In an interview, Sajak revealed that he and his co-host, Vanna White, would occasionally sneak out and have a few margaritas during the show’s long breaks.
He turned down “People” magazine
The magazine offered him to feature on its cover, which he declined.
His unusual stint
You can spot him in the 1982 comedy hit “Airplane II: The Sequel.”

Pat Sajak FAQs

What happened to Pat Sajak when he got sick?

Doctors diagnosed Sajak with a blocked intestine and a sharp drop in blood pressure, and the host told ABC News he could have died without emergency surgery.