Pat Sajak Scores First Gig Almost A Year After 'Wheel Of Fortune' Exit

Pat Sajak, the iconic host of "Wheel of Fortune," has spun the wheel of fate and landed an exciting new gig. This new development is coming nearly a year after his departure from the beloved game show. 

Although his next venture was reportedly to be in academia, Pat Sajak appears not ready to step out of the spotlight just yet.

Sajak is set to showcase his acting talents in the upcoming crime play "Prescription: Murder," staged by a community theater in Hawaii. 

Taking on a lead role, the veteran TV personality will grace the stage next summer, with performances beginning in July 2025. In the play, Sajak will portray a brilliant psychiatrist with a sinister plan to commit murder. 

Joining him is his longtime friend and KHON-TV newscaster Joe Moore, who will play the detective engaged in a gripping cat-and-mouse game with Sajak's character.

Despite his fame, Sajak's involvement in the Hawaii Theatre is no surprise. TMZ noted that for over three decades, he and Moore have acted together in several productions. 

Some of these include "The Odd Couple," "The Honeymooners," "Dial M for Murder," and "The Sunshine Boys."

As Sajak prepares to take the stage in next summer's production of "Prescription: Murder," he has ample downtime following the conclusion of his iconic "Wheel of Fortune" tenure. 

This hiatus should allow him to devote time to his responsibilities as chairman of the Board of Trustees at Hillsdale College, a private Christian school in Michigan.

The Blast reported that the school confirmed Sajak's continued involvement in a statement by spokesperson Emily Stack Davis on June 16 2023. Davis highlighted the 77-year-old's significant contributions, stating:

"For decades, Pat Sajak has been an icon of radio and television. We know that he will be missed and congratulate him on his well-deserved retirement. Hillsdale College is fortunate to have an even closer relationship with Mr. Sajak."

She pointed out that since 2019, the college had greatly "benefited from his wisdom, intellect, and good humor," before expressing optimism about continuing their collaboration.

The game show host has long been appreciated by Hillsdale College staff, earning high praise since his promotion to chairman of the Board of Trustees in 2019.

At the time, Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn commended Sajak, calling him "a man of calm and steady judgment, also possessed of a wicked wit."

Arnn further highlighted the father-of-two's humility and dedication, noting that despite his fame, Sajak "is a man of selfless service" who is "not interested in celebrity." 

He emphasized that the TV personality understood and was devoted to the college's mission. In response to his promotion, Sajak expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm, stating:

"I'm in an industry where we're always patting each other on the backs for different awards we've won but this one is at the top of my list.”

Sajak may have unknowingly predicted his successor on "Wheel of Fortune" over a decade ago. 

Following his smooth transition towards retirement, it seems that plans for his replacement were in the works for some time.

Shortly after Sajak announced his retirement last July, The Blast observed that Sony Pictures Television confirmed that Ryan Seacrest would take over the iconic game show starting with its 42nd season in 2024.

In the midst of this transition, a 2012 recording from "Wheel of Fortune" resurfaced on social media, adding a nostalgic twist to the announcement. 

After a contestant requested a vowel, Sajak responded humorously, "'You spun the wheel, you have to ask for a consonant.”

The veteran host corrected himself, saying, "Oh wait, you spun a free play; I'm an idiot. You see, the way it works is if you land… Nevermind. Is there an 'E' in the puzzle?" 

The playful banter continued when another contestant spun the wheel, landing on a trip to Arizona. The contender asked for an 'N,' and Sajak, unsure of the puzzle's contents, quipped, "Seacrest is on speed dial," when the letter 'N' secured the trip.