Pat Sajak

Game Show Host

"We became in this strange way part of people’s lives, almost their lifecycle. It was dinner time, they played 'Wheel' - we just became part of the atmosphere. It’s kind of like the sunset: you might not go out and watch it every night, but it’s nice to know it’s out there. We’re a comfort to people, and it would seem odd if we weren’t there even if they’re not watching us every day. I don’t know how that happened and how we became part of that, but it’s a wonderful spot to be in."

About This Interview

Pat Sajak was interviewed for just over two hours in Culver City, CA in two sessions: a two-hour individual interview, and a fifteen minute chat with Vanna White. Sajak discusses growing up in Chicago and his early interest in broadcasting, and shares his experiences serving in the armed forces radio in Vietnam. He speaks of his local television work in the 1970s for WSM in Nashville and KNBC in Los Angeles, and details the early history of the show for which he's best known: Wheel of Fortune. Sajak describes working with show creator Merv Griffin, the casting of “letter turner” Vanna White, and the fame that he and Vanna have experienced. He also discusses his foray into the talk show genre as host of The Pat Sajak Show. In their dual interview, Sajak and White talk about the atmosphere on the set of Wheel of Fortune, marvel at the show's longevity, and offer personal anecdotes about each other. Barrie Nedler conducted the interview on October 10, 2007.