Veteran talk show host Pat Sajak underwent emergency surgery for a blocked intestine this week. The 73-year-old Wheel of Fortune host is expected to be fine, although Thursday’s (November 7) taping of the iconic game show was canceled.
“The Wheel of Fortune taping on Thursday was canceled because host Pat Sajak underwent successful emergency surgery to correct a blocked intestine,” the show reported on social media. “He is resting comfortably and looking forward to getting back to work. Taping resumed today as scheduled, and Vanna White has stepped in a host.”
According to TMZ, filming resumed on Friday as Vanna White took over as host during Disney Week. Mickey Mouse himself reportedly took over for White as the one turning letters on the infamous puzzle board. Mickey’s fellow Disney characters Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto also joined in. Tune in December 9 to see Vanna White and Mickey Mouse in their new roles.
Pat Sajak has been hosting Wheel of Fortune since 1982. The show is the longest-running syndicated game show in the United States, having taped its 7,000th episode last year.
Sajak appeared alongside his Wheel of Fortune co-star Vanna White and fellow game show host Alex Trebek earlier this week as they honored their Executive Producer, Harry Friedman, who received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Sajak has been married to Lesly Sajak, a photographer, for more than 30 years. The couple has two children, son Patrick (29) and daughter Maggie (24).
We wish Pat a full and speedy recovery!