‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Host Pat Sajak Recovering From Emergency Surgery
Wheel Of Fortune host Pat Sajak is recovering from emergency surgery for a blocked intestine, as reported by Deadline.
Taping for the Thursday, November 7 episode of the series, which is in its 37th season in syndication, was canceled. The Friday show continued filming as scheduled, with Vanna White temporarily stepping into the role of host.
Deadline reported that Pat, 73, is expected to make a full recovery and that he is looking forward to getting back to work. He is expected to return to the show’s set for filming in about two weeks.
Wheel of Fortune updated viewers on the current state of Pat’s health on its social media pages, including a sweet message for its host in a way unique to the series. It also provided an update on when Pat will return to his role on Wheel of Fortune.
Fans also added their own well-wishes and comments hoping their beloved television personality has a speedy recovery.
“Get well soon Pat! Can’t wait to see you again along with Vanna!” remarked one Instagram user.
Another fan commented, “Sending well wishes Mr. Sajak! Vanna’s holding it down!”
“Oh no!!! You got this Mr. Sajak!” a third fan exclaimed.
“Get well soon Pat (also dude note: I’m kinda excited to see Vanna host!),” a fourth follower wrote.
The show also posted a photo sequence featuring Vanna as host of the series, alongside what appeared to be her special guests — Disney characters Pluto, Donald Duck, and Goofy. The episodes with Vanna as host will air in December as part of Disney Week.
TMZ reported that the person turning the letters for Vanna will be none other than Mickey Mouse.
Vanna and Pat have been hosting the syndicated version of Wheel of Fortune since its inception in 1982, but the letter-turner has never had the opportunity to officially helm the series.
Vanna did fill in twice for Pat, but not in a hosting capacity.
She took over briefly during a segment of the series when Pat had laryngitis in 1996. Vanna also spoke to the audience for several minutes in 2013, during an episode when Pat had to go backstage to re-watch a contestant’s tape that was too close to call onstage, reported The New York Post.
Vanna normally interacts with Pat during Wheel of Fortune, but not with the contestants nor the studio audience in attendance at the tapings, as her main job is to turn the letters and provide encouragement for those playing the game. The twosome can usually be seen providing a quick light commentary at the close of each show, prior to signing off.
