More than two years after retiring from “Wheel of Fortune,” Pat Sajak spoke at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony for Air Supply musicians Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock on Thursday.
“I know a little about longevity,” Sajak, 79, said in his speech at the inauguration. “As mentioned, I have performed my little show for over 40 years and understand the difficulty of trying not to overstay your welcome.”
Sajak noted that the two musicians, whom he and his wife Lesly Brown call “good friends,” have been performing for more than 50 years and “continue to entertain their fans and be welcomed by sold-out crowds around the world.”
“And because they’re still doing it at such a high level,” the former TV presenter continued. “They never phone it in during their performances. They never try to protect their reputation. They do their best every time they step on stage and they never disappoint.”
Sajak also joked that he “planned to get a big Air Supply logo tattooed on my chest” in honor of Hitchcock, but changed his mind “because he thought it would negatively affect my chest ring.”
“I’ll just stand by while you take out your mind’s eye,” he joked.
At the end of his speech, Sajak told the duo: “It has been a privilege to share such wonderful moments with you and I look forward to many more.”
Sajak has not been seen since he hosted the last episode of “Wheel of Fortune” on June 7, 2024.
“It’s been an incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade,” the television veteran said during the broadcast.
“And I’ve always felt that with that privilege comes the responsibility to keep this daily half-hour a safe place for family fun. No social problems, no politics, nothing embarrassing, I hope. Just a game,” he continued.
Sajak was replaced by Ryan Seacrest, who began hosting the series in September 2024 for its 42nd season.
However, Sony Pictures Television Executive Vice President of Game Programming Suzanne Prete confirmed that Sajak will remain with the game as a consultant for the next three years.
“We are incredibly grateful and proud to have hosted Pat for all these years and look forward to celebrating his remarkable career throughout the upcoming season,” Prete said in a statement.
Additionally, Sajak’s daughter, Maggie, is the social media correspondent for “Wheel of Fortune.”
Vanna White is still the show’s letter translator and has held the role since 1982.