Pat Sajak is about to have a lot more time to spend with his family. After over 40 years as the host of “Wheel of Fortune,” he is retiring, with his final episode airing on June 7. In a video shared with Good Morning America ahead of his farewell episode, Sajak expressed his excitement for the future, which includes spending quality time with his wife and kids. So, who are Pat Sajak’s children? Keep reading to learn more about the family of this iconic game show host.
Pat Sajak has two children with his wife, Lesly Brown, to whom he has been married since 1989. Read on to learn more about the game show host’s children and their connections to “Wheel of Fortune.”
Sajak and Brown welcomed their first child, a son named Patrick Michael Sajak, in 1990. Patrick prefers to stay out of the spotlight but did make an appearance on “Wheel of Fortune” with his sister Maggie when he was just 10 years old. During their 2000 appearance, Patrick and Maggie pretended to be their father and his co-host, Vanna White, as they closed out the show. Patrick recalled his father’s advice: “He did say one thing, don’t be funnier than he is.”
In a 2021 episode of the show, Sajak proudly shared that his son had graduated from medical school. “Do you mind if I do a little parental bragging here?” he said to White. “So you know my son, Patrick, you’ve known him all his life. Well, he’s made it through medical school, and he is now officially Dr. Sajak, and we’re all thrilled about that.” He added jokingly: “The only troubling part is he insists that I call him Dr. Sajak.”
The proud dad continued: “Lesly and I couldn’t be prouder. I even tried to persuade him to go into geriatrics, but he refused—that’s a personal thing. Anyway, congratulations, son.” Maggie also celebrated her brother’s achievement by sharing a photo of him on Instagram with the caption: “My big brother officially became a doctor today, and I am the MOST proud.
Maggie Marie Sajak, the couple’s daughter, was born in 1995, a few years after Patrick. Maggie made her debut on “Wheel of Fortune” when she was just a year old and is now heavily involved in the show as an adult. In 2020, she filled in as a letter-turner for White, and since 2021, she has served as the series’ social correspondent. “The Wheel of Fortune staff and crew have always been like an extended family,” Maggie said about her role on the show. “I’m thrilled to be working with them. It’s a real privilege to give the show’s longtime viewers a look at what goes on when the cameras aren’t rolling. Plus, I get to use the carpool lane with my father!”
Maggie earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University and completed a postgraduate program at Columbia University. In May 2023, she graduated from Georgetown University Law School. “Let the lawyer jokes begin… she wrote on Instagram alongside photos of herself in her cap and gown. Maggie is also a budding country singer, having released her first single, “First Kiss,” in 2011, followed by “Wild Boy” in 2013.
Shortly after her dad announced his retirement on social media in June 2023, Maggie shared her own post: “It’s so much fun working with my dad…and we’re looking forward to even more fun in Season 41” she wrote on her Instagram Story.
Before Ryan Seacrest was announced as Sajak’s replacement, it was rumored that Pat was advocating for Maggie to become the new host. “Pat is ready to leave the show, but not until his replacement is secured, and he has been lobbying hard for his daughter, Maggie, to succeed him,” sources told Radar Online. “Pat has nothing left to prove but he is determined to make sure Maggie gets a chance to prove herself.”
Ahead of his final episode, Sajak told his daughter that he was looking forward to spending more time with her and her brother. “I’m perfectly happy if it just means that I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with grandchildren. Hint hint hint. No pressure,” he joked.