Pat Sajak and Vanna White.Photo:Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty
Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty
After 40 years as part ofWheel of Fortune’sdynamic duo,Pat Sajak announced his retirementin June 2023. Sajak, who turns 77 on Oct. 26, 2023, has hosted the game show alongside his partner-in-crime,Vanna White, since the 1980s, so his departure truly marks the end of an era.In 2022, White, 66, shared that shewasn’t ready to think aboutputtingWheel of Fortunein the rearview, saying she and her longterm cohost were “like a brother and sister team.”“I think when [series creator]Merv Griffinchose both of us … years ago, he saw something between us — a brother/sister-type relationship,“she told PEOPLE. “He saw that we would be able to get along, I think. And we do. We are like a brother and sister team.“As Sajak celebrates his 77th birthday — and prepares to leave the small screenonce Ryan Seacrest steps into his shoes— look back on some of his best throwback photos with White.
After 40 years as part ofWheel of Fortune’sdynamic duo,Pat Sajak announced his retirementin June 2023. Sajak, who turns 77 on Oct. 26, 2023, has hosted the game show alongside his partner-in-crime,Vanna White, since the 1980s, so his departure truly marks the end of an era.
In 2022, White, 66, shared that shewasn’t ready to think aboutputtingWheel of Fortunein the rearview, saying she and her longterm cohost were “like a brother and sister team.”
“I think when [series creator]Merv Griffinchose both of us … years ago, he saw something between us — a brother/sister-type relationship,“she told PEOPLE. “He saw that we would be able to get along, I think. And we do. We are like a brother and sister team.”
As Sajak celebrates his 77th birthday — and prepares to leave the small screenonce Ryan Seacrest steps into his shoes— look back on some of his best throwback photos with White.
01of 11Kicking It OffVanna White and Pat Sajak.Courtesy Sony Pictures EntertainmentPat Sajak and Vanna White first joined forces onWheel of Fortuneback in the 1980s — here, the two are pictured at the start of their tenure in 1982.
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Kicking It Off
Vanna White and Pat Sajak.Courtesy Sony Pictures Entertainment
Pat Sajak and Vanna White first joined forces onWheel of Fortuneback in the 1980s — here, the two are pictured at the start of their tenure in 1982.
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Partners in Crime
When asked about retiring last year, White said she couldn’t imagine the game show in the pair’s rearview.
“I don’t even want to think about that.I mean, we’re a team,” she said of the duo pictured here in 1986. “That’s depressing. I don’t even want to think about it.”
03of 11Cohost SmilesVanna White and Pat Sajak.Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank/GettyHere, the two pose together as White is rocks voluminous hair and a shimmery dress adorned with feathers.
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Cohost Smiles
Vanna White and Pat Sajak.Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty
Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty
Here, the two pose together as White is rocks voluminous hair and a shimmery dress adorned with feathers.
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Pat Sajak and Vanna White.NBC/Getty
After getting some seasons under their belts, the duo posed for thisWheel of Fortuneseason 10 promotional shot in the 1990s.
05of 11Out of OfficeVanna White and Pat Sajak.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyThe two took a break from the colorful wheel to attend the National Association of Program Television Executives Convention in January 1993.
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Out of Office
Vanna White and Pat Sajak.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
The two took a break from the colorful wheel to attend the National Association of Program Television Executives Convention in January 1993.
06of 11"Like Barbie and Ken"Vanna White and Pat Sajak.Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank/GettyThroughout the years, Sajak and White have created quite a special relationship. Last year, while sharing she had “no idea” if the show would carry on without them one day, White said: “I can’t imagine. Everybody relatesWheel of Fortuneto Pat and Vanna. We’re like Ken and Barbie, you know? We’ve been in everybody’s homes for 40 years, so it would be weird having somebody else turn my letters.”
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“Like Barbie and Ken”
Throughout the years, Sajak and White have created quite a special relationship. Last year, while sharing she had “no idea” if the show would carry on without them one day, White said: “I can’t imagine. Everybody relatesWheel of Fortuneto Pat and Vanna. We’re like Ken and Barbie, you know? We’ve been in everybody’s homes for 40 years, so it would be weird having somebody else turn my letters.”
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Showing Support
Vanna White, Pat Sajak and Lesly Brown.Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Ron Galella Collection via Getty
08of 11All SmilesVanna White and Pat Sajak.Ron Galella Collection via GettyThe pair were in good spirits while attending the National Association of Television Program Executives Convention in January 1996 in Las Vegas.
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All Smiles
Vanna White and Pat Sajak.Ron Galella Collection via Getty
The pair were in good spirits while attending the National Association of Television Program Executives Convention in January 1996 in Las Vegas.
09of 11Taking the StageVanna White and Pat Sajak.Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImageIn 2003, the duo appeared together at the 30th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
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Taking the Stage
Vanna White and Pat Sajak.Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImage
Marc Bryan-Brown/WireImage
In 2003, the duo appeared together at the 30th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.
10of 11Big HugPat Sajak and Vanna White.Jason Merritt/FilmMagicWhen it was White’s turn to receive her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006, Sajak was there for this sweet hug.
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Big Hug
Pat Sajak and Vanna White.Jason Merritt/FilmMagic
Jason Merritt/FilmMagic
When it was White’s turn to receive her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2006, Sajak was there for this sweet hug.
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Let Them Eat Cake!
Vanna White and Pat Sajak.Brian Ach/WireImage
Brian Ach/WireImage
source: people.com
