wheel-y grateful for his time on “Wheel of Fortune” — even though Ryan Seacrest is taking his place soon.On Thursday, Sajak, 76, paid tribute to Merv Griffin, the creator of “Wheel of Fortune,” on what would have been his birthday, and thanked the presenter for taking a chance on him all those years ago.“Merv Griffin, the creator of ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ was born on this date in 1925,” Sajak wrote on Twitter.“I owe the man so much,” the message continued. “He absolutely defied network executives by insisting on hiring an unknown local TV weatherman to take over his show in 1981.
That was me, and I’ve been grateful ever since.”Sajak has been a staple on the show since 1981 when he was hired to take over hosting duties in replacement of Chuck Woolery, who was the program’s original presenter.But now, after 42 years on the show, Sajak has made the decision to retire, which he announced via Twitter on June 12.Merv Griffin, the creator of “Wheel of Fortune,” was born on this date in 1925.
I owe the man so much. He absolutely defied network executives by insisting on hiring an unknown local TV weatherman to take over his show in 1981.
That was me, and I’ve been grateful ever since.“Well, the time has come,” Sajak wrote in a statement. “I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last.
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