Together, Sajak and White began hosting the game’s nighttime version when it debuted in September 1983. Sajak left the daytime series in 1989 to concentrate on his short-lived CBS late-night talk show, 'The Pat Sajak Show.' In 1983, a nighttime version of the show launched. He hosted the series alongside Stafford for a year before Vanna White arrived as its new letter turner and co-host in 1982. Sajak took over the daytime version of “Wheel of Fortune” when Woolery exited in 1981. Pat Sajak Pat Sajak announced he would retire from 'Wheel of Fortune' after the game show's upcoming 41st season, Ricky Middlesworth / ABC via Getty Images Woolery left the show in 1981 and went on to host the dating series 'Love Connection,' among other programs. Woolery was the original host of the game's daytime series along with the show's original letter turner, Susan Stafford. It may come as a surprise that Sajak was the second person to host 'Wheel of Fortune.' The first? Chuck Woolery. Chuck Woolery Chuck Woolery was the original host of the daytime version of 'Wheel of Fortune.' Bob Riha Jr / Getty Images I look forward to learning everything I can from you during this transition,” he wrote. 'Pat, I love the way you’ve always celebrated the contestants and made viewers at home feel at ease. The Emmy winner also praised Sajak's hosting skills.
