Wheel of Fortune contestants reveal how Pat Sajak | TV Shows

“Then, when we started filming the round, he said I was a really good player, that he was impressed with my gameplay, and he specifically called out one thing I did. Haha.”

Someone else said of Pat, “Kind, professional, extremely good at his job. He made a couple digs at me that were extremely lighthearted and fun, and I responded in kind, and we had a fun time with it.”

One more shared, “Pat was great with us on my taping day. He was cracking jokes during breaks with others. As for me personally, definitely had a fun time chatting hockey with me.”

Others praised Pat for being friendly with contestant and the audience as a person said, “I’m not a former contestant, but I did go to two separate tapings, about 10 years apart. At both, during commercials, he would interact with the audience and he was hilarious and friendly.”

Another shared, “I went to a Celebrity Wheel taping nearly two years ago, and Pat only spoke to the audience thanking us for coming as we were leaving the studio. Not sure if that was typical for the celebrity episodes or a one-off.”

Pat Sajak announced his retirement from the beloved game show in June 2023. In a tweet, he expressed, “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months.”

Reflecting on his decision, Sajak shared with Entertainment Tonight, “I’ve always said to you, you’ve heard me say this dozens of times, I’d rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late.”

He added, “It’s been a great 40 years, and I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.”

In his farewell message during his final episode, Pat thanked fans for their support over the year, tearfully admitting, “What an honor to have played even a small part in all of that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”