Is It Really ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Without Pat Sajak?
Ryan Seacrest seems more straightforward in his approach and may eschew humor as he builds into the hosting role.Ryan Seacrest seems more straightforward in his approach and may eschew humor as he builds into the hosting role.‘Wheel Of Fortune’s’ Pat Sajak Retires As Longest-Running Game Show Host
Pat Sajak’s departure from 'Wheel of Fortune' signals another major shift in the game show world.Vanna White lawyers up with powerful attorney amid allegations she hasn't seen a pay raise in 18 years
Vanna White, co-host of "Wheel of Fortune," has reportedly hired a powerful attorney.
News of White's decision to lawyer up came days before Sony Pictures announced that Ryan Seacrest would assume position as host of the popular game show upon Pat Sajak's retirement.
According to Puck News, White hired attorney Bryan Freedman, whose high-profile client list includes Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Gabrielle Union, Chris Harrison, and other TV personalities. His speciality is resolving conflicts between talents and the networks that employ(ed) them, and he will reportedly help White negotiate her new contract and a better salary amid allegations of pay discrimination.
Puck News reported:
I’m told Freedman is hitting the pay discrepancy issue hard with Sony, as well as possible gender discrimination with respect to White’s salary. According to three sources, White hasn’t had a raise in 18 years. Yes, 18 years. She got some bonuses along the way, but never a straight pay increase. I know she’s hardly a ditch digger or school bus driver, but given her longevity and profile, and the increased value of the Wheel asset to Sony, that seems nuts to me.
Not only has White not received a salary increase in 18 years, but she earns $3 million per year compared to Sajak's reported salary of $15 million per year. It's not yet known what Seacrest will earn.
Moreover, sources told Puck News that some executives at Sony Pictures have even floated eliminating White's role despite her presence being synonymous with the show itself.
But that may never come to fruition, as Seacrest indicated on Tuesday that he expects to work with White.
"I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak," Seacrest said in a statement. "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."
"I can’t wait to continue the tradition of spinning the wheel and working alongside the great Vanna White," he added.
Sony Pictures declined to comment on the situation with White and her contract.
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Pat Sajak announces his final season hosting 'Wheel of Fortune'
Longtime "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak announced on Monday that the 41st season of the gameshow will mark his last working as the host.
"Well, the time has come. I've decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. 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!)," Sajak tweeted on Monday evening.
As the host of the popular program, Sajak, 76, has been a fixture on families' television screens for generations.
He started hosting the show more than four decades ago.
\u201cHappy 40th Wheel-iversary to this guy! On this day in 1981, @patsajak hosted his very first episode of @WheelofFortune\u2026and the rest is history!\u201d— Maggie Sajak (@Maggie Sajak) 1640715382
"As the host of Wheel of Fortune, Pat has entertained millions of viewers across America for 40 amazing years," Suzanne Prete, executive vice president, Game Shows at Sony Pictures Television, said in a statement, according to PEOPLE. "We are incredibly grateful and proud to have had Pat as our host for all these years and we look forward to celebrating his outstanding career throughout the upcoming season. Pat has agreed to continue as a consultant on the show for three years following his last year hosting, so we're thrilled to have him remaining close to the Wheel of Fortune family!"
Responding to her father's announcement post, "Wheel of Fortune's" social correspondent, Maggie Sajak tweeted, "It's so much fun working with my dad…and we’re looking forward to even more fun in Season 41."
Some on social media spoke about the memories they have of watching the show with relatives.
"Some of my fondest memories were of watching you and Vanna and Wheel of Fortune with My Mom (RIP). You brought much happiness to many people," Carmine Sabia tweeted in response to Sajak's announcement.
"I used to watch the show with my mom after her stroke back in 96 (she was 56 then). Every night, this and Jeopardy before she went to bed. Thanks for that," someone else wrote.
\u201c@patsajak I used to watch the show with my mom after her stroke back in 96 (she was 56 then). Every night, this and Jeopardy before she went to bed. Thanks for that.\u201d— Pat Sajak (@Pat Sajak) 1686610802
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