- Pat Sajak announced his retirement from “Wheel of Fortune” after years of serving as the host.
- After it was revealed that Ryan Seacrest would be taking Sajak’s place on the hit game show, Seacrest gave fans a glimpse of what his first day as the new host looked like.
- Seacrest opened up about his personal life, giving people a sneak peek at his Manhattan townhouse after selling his LA mansion.
Pat Sajak hosted the hit game show “Wheel of Fortune” for a little more than 30 years. The beloved TV personality joined the hit show in 1982 and has been the face of it ever since. After three decades of hosting one of the most popular game shows in America, Sajak announced he would be hanging up his hat.
Sajak revealed his retirement via Twitter on June 12, 2023, writing about how much he has enjoyed hosting the popular game show. He thanked the production company and all his co-workers, noting that he would share news about his retirement in the coming months. The show’s 41st season is the last Sajak would be a part of.
Ryan Seacrest on “The Kelly Clarckson Show” in 2023. | Source: Getty Images
Sajak’s longtime co-host, Vanna White, responded to the news via Twitter, saying she would miss her colleague, but thanked him for the decades of companionship and dedication. She also noted how glad she is to share the stage with him for one final season before “The Wheel of Fortune” moves into a new era.
Although the TV host had to knock 41% off the original price tag, he still made a profit on the property, having bought it from Ellen DeGeneres in 2012 for $36.5 million.
Vanna White and Pat Sajak in Orlando, Florida on October 10, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
Sony Pictures Television also had a few things to say about Sajak’s retirement. In a press release made public on June 27, 2023, the company confirmed that Pat Sajak would be stepping down as host of the game show and revealed that they had already chosen the legendary presenter’s successor.
Pat Sajak in an episode of “Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” in 2022. | Source: Getty Images
Sony Pictures Television revealed that they had approached and recruited the renowned host of “American Idol,” Ryan Seacrest, to be the new host of “Wheel of Fortune.” The press release stated that Seacrest had already signed a contract stretching over several years, affirming his new position.
Seacrest also confirmed his new position on Twitter last year (2023), where he stated that he was looking forward to working as the host of the iconic game show. Speaking with “Good Morning America” in February of this year (2024), he gushed about how excited he was to step into his new role.
“I’ve been watching it for so many years […] Pat Sajak is such a legend. He makes it look so easy and smooth and seamless. He’s remarkable,” shared Seacrest.
Pat Sajak and Ryan Seacrest having a conversation, posted on June 8, 2024 | Source: Instagram/ryanseacrest
The famous TV personality also divulged how he had already begun filming promotional projects for the show with White, whom he called “the most amazing person.” He also reiterated how much he couldn’t wait to start, explaining how he studied the show’s rule book and watched how White and Sajak ran the show.
Additionally, Seacrest revealed, “I talked to them both about, what’s the best part of ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ And [they say] it’s the contestants every night winning cash and prizes. I mean, that’s what it’s all about.”
Since then, Seacrest has already stepped into his new role as the game show’s host. He took to Instagram on July 17 to provide his followers with an exciting glimpse of his first day on set, which took place a couple of months ago.
The video he shared shows hilarious behind-the-scenes footage of Seacrest gleefully walking around the set, spinning the iconic wheel, and visiting the show’s memorabilia and awards room.
Ryan Seacrest on his first day as the new “Wheel of Fortune” game show host, posted on July 17, 2024 | Source: Instagram/ryanseacrest
As he explored the space, Seacrest would crack a joke here and there, further highlighting his excitement to be a part of such a legendary show. “A glimpse of my first day at @wheeloffortune, and I’m still spinning with excitement,” he penned in his caption.
Selling an Old Home with a New Job
While Seacrest is certainly giddy about his new major role, his new job isn’t the only significant development in his life. In 2020, the famous TV host put his sprawling Beverly Hills mansion up for sale.
He eventually let go of the property for $51 million in 2022. Although it’s still a considerable amount, Seacrest reportedly hoped to sell the property for $85 million at first.
Although the TV host had to knock 41% off the original price tag, he still made a profit on the property, having bought it from Ellen DeGeneres in 2012 for $36.5 million. That said, the supposed profit does not factor in the series of additions Seacrest made to the house, including a media room and massage room.
The property reportedly spans three acres of land. It includes a luxurious swimming pool with an added pool house, two guest houses, a gym, verdant gardens, relaxing lawns, a koi pond, an underground garage, and, of course, the main house. The main residence has four bedrooms and boasts six bathrooms.
When the guest houses are also factored in, the property offers nine bedrooms and 11 bathrooms in total. The property is located on its own street, offering the residents immense privacy. Although the mansion is huge, Seacrest has ensured it still feels homey and intimate by adding warm details and decor.
He decided to sell his LA mansion because his job required him to spend more time in Manhattan. When in Manhattan, the TV host spends his nights in his second home — a smaller but still luxurious townhouse.
The celebrity moved to Manhattan permanently in 2017 to host “Live With Kelly and Ryan.” At a whopping $75,000 per month, the Manhattan house offers 9,500 square feet, which includes six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a master suite that spans the entire third story.
The home also features a rooftop garden, six wood-burning fireplaces, and an elevator that grants access to all six of the property’s floors.
Seacrest has given fans glimpses inside his house on more than one occasion. The TV personality posted a video of himself working out at home in 2020 and even converted his home into a studio during the pandemic. Although he has ample space, he reportedly lives alone with his three dogs to keep him company.
That said, Seacrest was also dating at that time, although it seemed he and his ex-girlfriend were still living apart from each other. The TV host was previously linked to the model Aubrey Paige Petcosky from 2021. The former pair were first seen together in May 2021, when they spent Memorial Day in the Hamptons.
Aubrey Paige Petcosky and Ryan Seacrest on October 18, 2022 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Seacrest and Petcosky largely tried to keep their personal lives out of the public eye, although they had been spotted together on a few occasions. They had only walked the red carpet together once, and shortly after, they were seen in Ibiza, Spain, in July 2022. Petcosky also shared a photo of them sharing a kiss on her 25th birthday.
Aubrey Petcosky and Ryan Seacrest at the premiere of “Halftime” in New York City on June 8, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
However, Petcosky and Seacrest are no longer seeing each other. The former couple decided to mutually end their relationship after dating for three years. The news was shared by a popular media outlet that received a statement from a source close to the pair.
That statement read, “After three beautiful years together, Ryan and Aubrey have mutually decided to part ways. They plan to stay in each other’s lives as good friends and support one another’s endeavors.”
Aubrey Petcosky and Ryan Seacrest spotted out during New York Fashion Week in New York City on February 12, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Even when Seacrest was in a happy relationship, he reportedly enjoyed living in his Manhattan mansion alone. He starts every day with a morning matcha and generally follows a healthy diet. Seacrest is also a fitness buff. He employs a personal trainer to help him stay in shape and even started boxing to keep fit.
Now that Ryan Seacrest’s LA mansion has been sold, he spends most of his time in his Manhattan home, which he initially bought for himself and another ex of his, Shayna Taylor. Seacrest shared that one of his favorite aspects of his house is the open plan, which allows him to speak to anyone anywhere around the kitchen while he cooks.