Longtime ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host, 79, Makes Rare Appearance

Eric McCandless / Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images Pat Sajak has made a rare public appearance two years after retiring from hosting Wheel of Fortune .

The Emmy-winning TV personality, 79, honored Air Supply’s Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock in a speech on Oct.

8 at their Hollywood Walk of Fame induction ceremony.

“It’s especially exciting for me to be here and participate in this event,” Sajak said, adding that he and his wife of 37 years, Lesly Brown Sajak, 61, are “good friends” with Air Supply.

The former TV host and his wife share two kids, Dr.

Patrick Sajak, 36, and Maggie Sajak, 31.

Looking sharp as ever in a dark blue sports jacket over a peach dress shirt and dark jeans, he congratulated his friends on entertaining fans for more than 50 years.

Sajak joked about knowing “a little bit about longevity,” having hosted Wheel of Fortune for more than four decades.

In 1981, Sajak took over hosting the game show from Chuck Woolery.

More than four decades later, in 2024, he passed the mic to American Idol host Ryan Seacrest.

“They still do it at such a very high level,” he said about Russell and Hitchcock.

“They never phone in their performance.

They never try to live off their reputation.

They go all out each and every time they step on the stage, and they never disappoint.” Sajak added, “It’s been a privilege to share so many wonderful moments with you, and I look forward to many, many more.” Since his retirement, the TV veteran has kept a largely private life, reserving public appearances for special occasions and sports events.