Pat Sajak Biography: Patrick Leonard Sajak was born on October 26, 1946, and is a well-known American game show host, television personality, and creative consultant. He is most famous for hosting the iconic game show Wheel of Fortune from 1981 until 2024. Following his retirement from the main version of the show, Sajak continues to contribute as a consultant and remains the host of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. Over the years, he has received 19 Daytime Emmy nominations for Outstanding Game Show Host, winning three times, and won a Primetime Emmy Award in 2024. In 2019, Guinness World Records honored him for having the longest career as host of the same game show, surpassing Bob Barker’s record. Outside of Wheel of Fortune, Sajak has appeared in several television series, films, and other game shows, including Airplane II: The Sequel, Days of Our Lives, and Rugrats.
Pat Sajak Biography
Pat Sajak was born on October 26, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, USA. He is a television producer and actor, best known for his longtime role on Wheel of Fortune (1983), as well as appearances in Airplane II: The Sequel (1982) and The A-Team (1983). Sajak has been married to Lesly Brown since December 31, 1989, and the couple has two children together. He was previously married to Sherrill.
Pat Sajak Biography 2025 Details
Born |
Patrick Leonard Sajdak
October 26, 1946 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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Alma mater | Columbia College Chicago |
Occupations |
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Years active | 1968–present |
Notable credit(s) | Wheel of Fortune (1981–2024) The Pat Sajak Show (1989–1990) |
Political party | Republican |
Spouses |
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Children | 2; including Maggie |
Category | Singers Bio |
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About Pat Sajak
Patrick Leonard Sajak is an American game show host, television personality, and creative consultant. He is best known as the host of the television game show Wheel of Fortune, a position which he held from 1981 to 2024. Sajak currently serves as a consultant for the show.
Pat Sajak Wiki
- Born: 26 October 1946 (age 78 years), Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Spouse: Lesly Brown (m. 1989), Sherrill Sajak (m. 1979–1986)
- Children: Maggie Sajak, Patrick Michael James Sajak
- Height: 1.78 m
- Parents: Leonard Anthony Sajdak, Joyce Backal
- Siblings: David Sajdak, William Backal
Early Life
Patrick Sajak was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 26, 1946. He graduated from Farragut High School in 1964 and went on to attend Columbia College Chicago while working as a desk clerk at the Palmer House Hilton hotel. His original surname, Sajdak, reflects his Polish heritage, but he later shortened it to Sajak to better match its American pronunciation.
Sajak served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he worked as a disc jockey for the American Forces Vietnam Network. He hosted the Dawn Buster radio show, famously beginning each broadcast with the phrase “Good Morning Vietnam!”—a tradition started by his predecessor, Adrian Cronauer. He held the role for 14 months.
Pat Sajak Facts
Where does Pat Sajak live? And how much money does Pat Sajak earn?
Birth Date | 26-10-1946 |
Heritage/origin | Polish |
Ethnicity | White |
Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
Residence | He owns a house in Severna Park, Maryland. |
Pat Sajak Net Worth 2025
Estimated Net Worth | 65 million |
Yearly Salary | N/A |
Colleagues | Johnny Gilbert, Vanna White & Alex Trebek |
Pat Sajak: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
Relationship status | Married (Since 1989) |
Sexuality | Straight |
Current Wife of Pat Sajak | Lesley Brown |
Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Sherrill Sajak |
More info | Was previously married and divorced |
Has any kids? | Yes, father of: Maggie, Patrick Michael James |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Maggie Sajak (Daughter)
Friends
- Vanna White
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This amusing tv-personality originating from Chicago, Illinois has a slim body & round face type.
Hair color | Grey |
Hairstyle | alternative |
Beard or Mustache | Beardless |
Eye Color | Blue |
Height | 177 cm |
Weight | 78 kilo |
Feet size | N/A |
Does Pat Sajak smoke? | |
Does Pat Sajak have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
When did Pat Sajak start hosting Wheel of Fortune?
Pat Sajak began hosting Wheel of Fortune in 1981. He held the role for over four decades, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in game show history before stepping down in 2024.
Who is Pat Sajak married to?
Pat Sajak is married to Lesly Brown. The couple tied the knot on December 31, 1989, and have two children together.
Did Pat Sajak appear in any movies or TV shows?
Yes, in addition to hosting Wheel of Fortune, Pat Sajak has made appearances in various films and TV series, including Airplane II: The Sequel (1982) and The A-Team (1983).
Has Pat Sajak served in the military?
Yes, Pat Sajak served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked as a disc jockey for the American Forces Vietnam Network and hosted the Dawn Buster radio show, famously using the phrase “Good Morning Vietnam!”
What was Pat Sajak’s early career before television?
Before becoming a TV personality, Pat Sajak worked as a desk clerk at the Palmer House Hilton hotel in Chicago while attending Columbia College. He later served as a military DJ during the Vietnam War.
Was Pat Sajak married before Lesly Brown?
Yes, before marrying Lesly Brown, Pat Sajak was previously married to a woman named Sherrill.