Entertainment TV Pat Sajak Retires from Wheel of Fortune Today. Watch Him Make His Debut in This Throwback Video from 1981 After a whopping 41 seasons, Pat Sajak is bidding farewell to 'Wheel of Fortune.' Check out his first introduction on the show from 1981 By Stephanie Sengwe Published on June 7, 2024 08:25AM EDT Pat Sajak is saying goodbye to Wheel of Fortune after a staggering four decades hosting the hit game show. And while he's become beloved for his calm demeanor, quick wit and amiable charm, it turns out he was just as charismatic on his very first day on the job. Sajak joined Wheel of Fortune back in 1981 and at the time, he was stepping in to replace Chuck Woolery, who had hosted the show for five years prior. In his first introduction on the show, Sajak, then 35, invoked his now-famous candor and humor to address the change. "Please do not adjust your sets at home, Chuck Woolery has not shrunk," he joked, acknowledging the height difference between him and his predecessor. Pat Sajak Reflects on 'Gratifying' Journey Hosting Wheel of Fortune Ahead of His Last Episode: 'A Great 40 Years' Pat Sajak on 'Wheel of Fortune' in 2024. Christopher Willard/DISNEY via Getty "As Jack [Clark] mentioned, my name is Pat Sajak and I've been fortunate enough to wander onto the set of a very successful program, has been for a long time. One of the big reasons for that success is Chuck Woolery," he said. At the time, Woolery, who had hosted the show since its debut in 1975, had left in pursuit of other endeavors in entertainment, which Sajak also acknowledged. "Chuck has decided to leave the show to concentrate on other areas in his career. He's a very talented actor and singer/songwriter, so I want to take a minute — I know everyone in the studio does, and all his fans around the country — to wish Chuck nothing but the best for future success and happiness." Pat Sajak's Daughter and Vanna White Take Viewers Behind the Wheel of Fortune Game Board Ahead of Pat's Retirement Vanna White and Pat Sajak on 'Wheel of Fortune' in 2024. Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty He concluded with, "Chuck, this is for you!" as he and the audience erupted into applause. He then introduced Susan Stafford, who co-hosted with him before Vanna White joined in 1982. Sajak announced his retirement from Wheel of Fortune on X, formerly Twitter, last June. "Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last," he wrote. "It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!)" Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Sajak has been the sole host of Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune since the '80s. In 2019, he took a short hiatus from the show after undergoing surgery for a blocked intestine and White took over in the interim. Pat Sajak on 'Wheel of Fortune' in 1981. Courtesy of Sony/Wheel of Fortune In a recent sit-down interview with his daughter Maggie, who serves as the social correspondent for the show, Sajak opened up about his final week on the Wheel of Fortune stage. “This was announced a long time ago, almost a year ago. So I've had time to sort of get used to it," he said. "And it's been a little bit wistful and all that, but I'm enjoying it and taking it all in and reflecting on the great run," Sajak, now 77, added. "Somewhere along the line, we became more than a popular show. We became part of the popular culture. And more importantly, we became part of people's lives. And, that's been awfully gratifying.” Ryan Seacrest will step in to host the show starting next season.