It’s been nearly one year since Pat Sajak retired from Wheel of Fortune after hosting the iconic game show for 43 years. Now, Sajak has announced a huge career change that has shocked many of his most loyal fans.
Sajak’s Major Career Change
After years of being a game show host, Sajak is shifting his attention to acting! Indeed, the 78 year-old icon is preparing to star in a play called Prescription: Murder at the Hawaii Theater. Sajak will be starring in this show with his longtime friend, KHON-TV Hawaii newscaster Joe Moore.
“Moore plays Lt. Columbo, a disheveled and seemingly bumbling detective who’s investigating Sajak’s brilliant psychiatrist Dr. Roy Flemming, who’s carried out an ingenious plan to murder his wife, and established a perfect alibi,” the Hawaii Theater website states. “Columbo and the doctor engage in a cat and mouse duel of wits culminating in a surprising climax.”
Sajak and Moore spoke out to say that this play “will likely be our final time on stage together.”
Also starring in this play will be Bryce Moore, Therese Olival, Amy K. Sullivan and Aiko Chinen. The show is being directed by Rob Duval, and its limited run is set to last from July 31-August 10.
Sajak and Moore met when they were both serving in the Vietnam War, and they have been close friends ever since. Over the years, the two of them have starred in various plays together. Their first was a production of The Odd Couple back in 2001. Most recently, they starred together in The Sunshine Boys in 2022.
Related: He’s Back! Pat Sajak Gets His First Job Since Leaving ‘Wheel Of Fortune’
Sajak Praised For His Acting Abilities
Gregory D. Dunn, President and CEO of Hawaii Theatre Center, has publicly praised Sajak for his acting abilities.
“It’s really exciting as someone [who] has grown up with Wheel of Fortune,” Dunn told People Magazine. “I used to sit and watch the show with my grandmother when we were children.”
“To be able to engage with him and recognize that he is the authentic and kind person you see on the show — that’s his true personality, and the way he interacts with people and his fellow actors and with the cast and crew,” he continued. “He is really a talented actor that brings an immense amount of craft to the stage.”
Dunn went on to say that Sajak is always a big hit with the Hawaii Theater audience when he performs there.
“Our audiences every year are delighted when they’re able to enjoy his performances on stage,” he explained. “We couldn’t be happier to welcome Pat back, and it really is something that we look forward to every couple of years.”
Related: Pat Sajak, 78, Is Returning To ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ One Last Time For ‘Final Spin’
Sajak’s Wheel Of Fortune Farewell
Sajak’s final episode of Wheel of Fortune aired on June 7, 2024. He had been hosting the legendary game show ever since 1981.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” Sajak said in his farewell message.
“And I’ve always felt that the privilege came with a responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social issues, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game,” he concluded. “What an honor to have played even a small part in all that. Thank you for allowing me into your lives.”
While we still miss Sajak on Wheel of Fortune, we’re so glad that he has the time to focus on other things like this theater production. If you’re anywhere near the Hawaii Theater, be sure to check out Sajak’s show this summer!
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