We’ve all spent countless evenings watching those giant neon letters flip. It’s a comfort thing, honestly. You sit there, maybe with a bowl of popcorn, screaming the answer at the TV while the contestant stares blankly at "B_KE _ALE." For over forty years, the faces of that routine were Pat Sajak and Vanna White. They’ve felt ageless, almost like they were frozen in 1983 and just kept showing up every night looking fantastic.
But time moves on, even for game show royalty.
With Pat finally stepping away from the daily syndicated grind and Ryan Seacrest taking the reins, everyone is suddenly curious about the math. People want to know the "secret sauce" behind their longevity. How do you stay that energetic for four decades?
How Old Are Pat Sajak & Vanna White Right Now?
Let’s get straight to the numbers.
As of early 2026, Pat Sajak is 79 years old. He was born on October 26, 1946, in Chicago. It’s wild to think he was already in his 30s when he took over the show from Chuck Woolery back in 1981. He’s lived through several lifetimes of pop culture shifts, yet his dry wit never really changed.
Then there’s the legendary Vanna White.
Vanna White is 68 years old as we move through 2026. Her birthday is February 18, 1957. Born in Conway, South Carolina, she brought a specific kind of Southern charm and poise to the puzzle board that basically redefined what a "co-host" could be.
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There is an eleven-year age gap between the two. Pat has always been the "older brother" figure in the dynamic, while Vanna has been the steady, glowing presence that kept the gears turning.
The Retirement Question and Pat’s "Final Spin"
Pat’s retirement wasn't a sudden "I’m out" moment. It was a slow burn. He officially wrapped up his legendary run on the daily version of Wheel of Fortune in June 2024. That final episode was emotional, for sure. He stayed on as a consultant, but the big news for 2025 and early 2026 has been his "one last ride" on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
He wanted to go out on his own terms.
"My goal was not to do the job until I keel over on it," he told his daughter, Maggie Sajak, during a heartfelt interview. That makes sense. After 41 seasons, the man deserved to go play some golf and enjoy being 79 without worrying about a production schedule.
Why Vanna White Isn’t Leaving Just Yet
When Pat announced he was leaving, fans panicked. "Is Vanna going too?" was the only question on the internet for about six months.
She didn't.
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Vanna signed a contract extension that keeps her at the puzzle board through at least the 2025–2026 season. She’s essentially the bridge between the Sajak era and the Seacrest era. Honestly, it was a smart move by Sony. Having Vanna there makes the transition to Ryan Seacrest feel less like a total reboot and more like a passing of the torch.
Negotiations weren't exactly a walk in the park, though. Reports circulated for a while about pay gaps—Vanna hadn't had a proper raise in nearly two decades. She stood her ground, got her bump in pay, and proved that even at 68, she’s indispensable to the brand.
The Ryan Seacrest Factor
Ryan Seacrest took over the daily show in September 2024. He’s 51 now.
It’s a different vibe. Seacrest is a professional, no doubt, but he doesn't have that "cranky uncle" energy Pat perfected over the years. Some fans love the fresh blood; others are still adjusting. But through it all, Vanna has been the constant. She’s the one who knows where the bodies are buried—or at least where the extra "Free Play" wedges are hidden.
Looking Back: A Career of Decades
To understand why people care so much about how old Pat and Vanna are, you have to look at the sheer scale of their careers.
- The Army Days: Pat wasn't always a suit-and-tie guy. He was a DJ for the American Forces Vietnam Network in Saigon. He’s talked about how he used to start his broadcasts with "Good Morning, Vietnam!"—years before Robin Williams made the phrase world-famous.
- The Wardrobe Queen: Vanna has worn over 7,000 dresses on the show. She never wears the same one twice. That’s a lot of fittings. It’s also a testament to her work ethic; she’s rarely missed a day of work in over 40 years.
- The World Records: Pat holds the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a game show host for the same show.
It’s not just about age; it’s about endurance. Most TV shows don't last five years, let alone forty. These two became part of the American furniture. You don't ask how old your favorite armchair is; you just hope it stays in the living room forever.
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What’s Next for the Duo?
Pat seems to be genuinely enjoying his semi-retirement. Besides the occasional celebrity special, he’s been involved in theater, recently taking on a role in the mystery-thriller Prescription: Murder in Hawaii. He’s staying active, which is probably why he doesn't look like he’s pushing 80.
Vanna is still the face of the franchise. Whether she stays past 2026 is anyone's guess. She’s mentioned in interviews that it’s hard to imagine the show without Pat, but she also loves her job.
"I'm not ready to retire," she told People recently.
That’s good news for us.
If you're looking to keep up with the show or want to see Pat’s final episodes of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, they’ve been airing through the 2025 season on ABC. You can usually catch them on Hulu the next day if you missed the live broadcast.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your local listings for the final Pat Sajak Celebrity Wheel episodes—they are a piece of TV history.
- Follow Maggie Sajak on social media; she’s become the go-to source for "behind the scenes" updates on both Pat and Vanna.
- Keep an eye on Vanna’s contract news toward the end of 2026 to see if she decides to stick around for the 50th-anniversary milestones.