Back in the ‘80s, Pat Sajak stepped into the spotlight as the host of Wheel of Fortune, guiding contestants through puzzles and becoming a household name. Over the years, his iconic role on the game show turned into a lucrative career, earning him a staggering net worth. Before announcing his retirement, Pat enjoyed a massive salary from the program, making him not just a beloved TV personality but also a financial success story.
How Much Is Pat Sajak Worth Today?
According to Celebrity Net Worth, Pat Sajak’s net worth is estimated at a cool $75 million. That’s right—this TV legend has built an empire over decades of hosting one of America's favorite game shows. His success didn't happen overnight; it was a combination of talent, charm, and hard work that made him a household name and, well, pretty wealthy too.
Pat Sajak's Early Career and Rise to Fame
Pat Sajak’s journey to becoming the face of Wheel of Fortune wasn’t a straight line. He started off as a local radio anchor at WEDC in Chicago, but his ambitions didn’t stop there. In 1968, Pat joined the U.S. Army, where he also worked as a disc jockey on their radio station. When he returned from Vietnam, the Illinois native kept pushing forward in his career, landing a full-time gig as a weatherman at KNBC-TV in Los Angeles in 1977.
Read also:Vincent Pastore Opens Up About Life After The Sopranos
Four years after becoming a weatherman, Pat landed his iconic spot on the daytime version of Wheel of Fortune, replacing Chuck Woolery. During this time, he also became a proud father to two children, Patrick and Maggie, with his second wife, Lesly Brown. Maggie, in particular, has made several memorable appearances on the show over the years.
Pat Sajak's Salary on 'Wheel of Fortune'
For over four decades, Pat hosted the syndicated nighttime version of Wheel of Fortune, which premiered in 1983. This Emmy-winning host earned a hefty salary from the show, estimated at $15 million annually, according to Forbes. Of course, he wasn’t alone in this success—Vanna White has been his steadfast co-host throughout the years.
Vanna once told Closer Weekly, "People at home see the chemistry between Pat and me. We are like brother and sister, and I think that is what makes it work." Pat echoed this sentiment, saying their friendship is "like lightning in a bottle." Interestingly, Vanna almost didn't end up on the show, but show creator Merv Griffin saw her potential immediately.
Marianne Robin-Tani, Vanna's biographer, told Closer, "Vanna has a sweetness, an all-American, girl-next-door demeanor that Merv Griffin immediately recognized." Thankfully, the duo ended up on screen together, and their partnership has been nothing short of legendary. Both have built impressive fortunes, with Vanna boasting an estimated $85 million net worth.
