Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak skipped the bonus round on the April 26 broadcast; perplexing game show fans. While some fans were perplexed on social media, the answer made perfect sense. The 76-year-old just traded places with announcer Jim Thornton since Sarah, the final-round participant, was a tremendous admirer.
As a result, the show decided to surprise viewers by having Pat Sajak and Jim Thornton briefly swap positions. The popular game show presenter manned the announcer’s booth as his counterpart joined Sarah on stage. Even though she didn’t answer the final puzzle and thus missed out on the $40,000 prize, the occasion was unforgettable.
Pat Sajak
Sarah had previously in the show informed Pat Sajak how much she admired Jim Thornton. “How could someone not?” she asked, according to E! News. “His voice is both calming and energizing.” He’s hilarious and such a nice person.” The Wheel of Fortune competitor expressed concern when she did not hear his voice.
“I had so much fun,” Sarah told Jim after the bonus round was over. “And we got to do it together!” A few seconds later, a shot of Pat Sajak filled the screen as he handled announcing duties by reminding viewers about the bonus puzzle. He also prompted folks to visit the show’s website for a chance to win a family vacation.
Pat Sajak quickly returned to his customary seat. As the episode came to a close, he questioned Vanna White, “Did I miss anything?” Later, the social media accounts for Wheel of Fortune addressed the switch, asking, “Who is this guy, and what has he done with Pat [Sajak]?” On Instagram, a similar sentiment was expressed.
Who's this guy and what has he done with Pat? pic.twitter.com/cFE71uefDg
— Wheel of Fortune (@WheelofFortune) April 27, 2023
Pat Sajak’s actions on the show, such as attempting to bodyslam a competitor, are always generating headlines. But they aren’t always as lovely as Sarah’s surprise. During another program, the famous host appeared to be irritated with a contestant named Lori, who kept repeating her letters. “Because you did it multiple times, we’ll give you multiple T’s,” the long-running television celebrity explained.
Lori repeated her letters as she attempted to solve a riddle in the “What Are You Wearing” category, saying, “I’d like to buy a ‘E’ please- ‘E!'” On the other hand, Pat Sajak was not amused and answered sharply, stating, “Yeah… there’s three ‘E’s,’ I heard you.” “I’ve got it.” Despite his occasionally bizarre replies, the 76-year-old has become popular on American television.
Pat Sajak has hosted Wheel of Fortune since 1981 and has garnered three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host. Along with a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, the television personality received the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
Pat Sajak, co-host Vanna White, and longtime Wheel of Fortune executive producer Harry Friedman were inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame in April 2018. Prior to hosting his long-running game show, the host worked as a weatherman for KNBC-TV in Los Angeles.
