‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak opens up about ‘life and death’ emergency surgery l ABC News

The longtime TV game show host sat down for his first interview since he had an emergency surgery after getting a “horrific pain” in his stomach due to an intestinal blockage.
READ MORE: gma.abc/2Q9kIxq
#ABCNews #PatSajak #WheelofFortune #VannaWhite

[@benmiller9854]

Wheel of Fortune is one of last family friendly wholesome shows left. Bless you Pat.

[@professorhineschoice]

Ben Miller Agreed!!!!

[@brendalane9221]

Seconded!@@professorhineschoice

[@nathanbush6781]

I was happy that the Gay Men’s Chorus was mentioned on the show! Of course, not when Pat was hosting. I don’t think he’d allow it.

[@lauriemcguiness7135]

I grew up with jepordy and wheel of fortune! The 80s was one of the best decades in my lifetime☺

[@AndySaenz]

Ben Miller Jeopardy! is another such show. Alex Trebek and Pat Sajak are both TV legends, I hope they find good replacements to host these shows after they bite the dust.

[@CA2SD]

I wish him all the best! He’s one of the smartest person in show business. Staying on a show that people love instead of breaking loose to try something else. He’s so humble.

[@joanns.6380]

What a decent human being Pat is. It makes me feel good to know that there are some very kind loving people on this earth. God Bless you Pat and family and Vanna too. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

[@janeanderson2020]

Thanking God that you got to the hospital in time. You have a wonderful show. Prayers for your quick and complete healing.

[@amateurmeteorologistjoshbrown]

I am really glad that Pat is now doing great after the emergency surgery he had a few weeks ago!

[@DaBigGlok]

He's been my favorite person for 41 years

[@marlenejones6266]

Say what ypu want to about this man...hes the trooper. Never missed a taping..who can say that about anything they have done. Hes a decent person. Hes always been full of life and nd his dry wit is part of the show.

[@marlenejones6266]

@White Devil yes i know tha too.

[@lisagialucci2296]

Pat is First Class - you won’t ever need to leave the show - you and Vanna are the show ✨✨✨🎄

[@hume6900]

Roary Calhoun426, got news for you, I among millions of others still love these shows. If you don’t then watch something else. Both Mr. Trebek and Mr. Sajak appear to be true gentlemen and I know for a fact that they are also very generous. What about you? Have you managed to do anything with your life?

[@SuperUkcats]

@Roary Calhoun426 - Spread the word about Chuck Woolery being the better host, trooper. And make sure that the ignorant sheep know that Merv was too cheap to give Chuck a raise...and he wouldn't even let NBC give him a raise with THEIR money!

[@SuperUkcats]

Will N - Ohhh, Leslie...WHO THE FUCK IS LESLIE!?!

[@GorilieVR]

3:09 "as it turned out I was just high" hahaha

[@Yellowstone3000]

Bruh

[@gsnman]

Pat is a wonderful man, on and off-camera. He's one of the nicest hosts I ever met in my life!

[@eileenmaschal9505]

Love Pat and Vanna....I love that they are such good and loyal friends.

[@crunkash2208]

We love you Pat 🥰My grandma and I use to watch your show together. So glad he is still with us.

[@ambermedellin6832]

He's taking care of himself.

[@RoyalMasterpiece]

Love Pat and Vanna. They are legends. God bless them!

[@lauriemcguiness7135]

First it was Alex's cancer diagnosis now its Pat Sajak. Im glad he fought this well. Trebeks illness is far worse and im still praying for him🙏🏻

[@JMFabiano]

It's like there's a hex on Merv Griffin shows :-(

[@stevegust2100]

Vanna did well Pat's right. There are fruit loops out there who criticize everything. They need to relearn the Golden rule

[@ambermedellin6832]

Nice.

[@Am71919]

I don't know why everybody keeps saying that she wasn't prepared/comfortable filling in for Pat, she's been on the show just as long as he has, why wouldn't she know what she was doing?

[@margaretthomas8819]

@@ambermedellin6832 p

[@CelebrityGamerTV]

Vanna is not doing a bad job hosting the show. But, I wish Pat a speedy recovery.

[@erikrudolph5769]

Vanna is doing more for humanity than you ever did!...tell your parents they made a mistake because they did

[@loriees1]

Vanna was an amazing host!

[@morticindavis9410]

I thought Vanna was great. She was a bit uncomfortable but she showed she’s a trooper.

[@eltonjohn3236]

She did well. For a position she wasn't accustomed to, she was great.

[@lorilynn610]

I agree. She got better and better with each show she did. Pat has been doing this for 40 years. Bravo Vanna! :)

[@jackjones2361]

She’s a trooper. She had never taped a show without him but she was a trooper

[@tabithatotten]

Thinking of you Pat and wishing you the best. Merry Christmas to you and your family🎄🎁❤

[@StyxNyx1]

@Roary Calhoun426 I take it you don't enjoy your job...if you even have one.

[@Triad637]

Pat, thank you for telling America your thoughts during the crisis. Loss alters lives. Your compassion on your next of kin encourages.

[@domenicadkins5664]

gathet

[@domenicadkins5664]

bill gather

[@MFO6]

So happy that things turned out the way they did! My father was also struck down with a kink in his intestines and he died. I'm told it's one of the worst pains you can have. They had my father heavily medicated. My dad and I were there for my mom when she passed away. I felt it was extremely important that I be there for him when he passed away. Both gone by the time I was 21 year's old.

[@susanpeterson7570]

So sorry for your loss...

[@ladonnaparis9196]

As a former contestant of WoF (unbeaten for 3 days) in the 80's, I love the show.

[@toshathebeautiful8389]

Happy he's okay! 💙💙💙💙

[@janicerigsbee1767]

This is the first time I seen his eyes up close wow the color is beautiful

[@margaretadamski1876]

Agreed with you his eye so brightly blue

[@pamk9333]

Mr. Sajak, I'm so glad you are feeling better.

[@ambermedellin6832]

His illness was even worse than a cold bug hitting younger people. Their illnesses can last less than a week.

[@brendalane9221]

1st class....Vanna did a great job in hosting while you were out. You guys are a team!

[@dabdella1460]

Glad he's in good shape. Pat is one of those guys who grew up, and old with us . If we gotta stay, so do you Mister.

[@normajari8767]

He’s great man lots good memories when I see the tv show thank god he is okay .

[@eltonjohn3236]

Pat and Vanna are two people that were really meant to be. While I live in Canada, they really are sort of American royalty. I've been watching Wheel for decades, and watching the show is like sitting down with old friends. I hope they have another ten years on the air.

[@JKFitz]

Whoever has clicked dislike on this video need to find something else to do... Have a heart , this man could have died!! Hes am amazing host in television !! Not easily forgotten & after all the decades deserves respect as a human !!

[@lauriemcguiness7135]

Sajak and trebek were 2 amazing 80s icon gameshow hosts. Whats not to like about these 2 fine gentlemen?

[@SuperUkcats]

Laurie Mcguiness - Alex Trebek, yes. Pat Sajak on the other hand is a smarmy weasel who only got the job from Chuck Woolery because Merv Griffin was a piece of shit!

[@SuperUkcats]

@Anna K - Nice to see you confess how stupid you are for bitching about thumbs downs, never mind that the majority is thumbs ups!

[@MsDee409]

Pat Sajak and Alex Trebek; two great guys. Wonderful hosts. I am greatful he's okay!! 👍😊

[@MorganNye]

Alex Trebek appeared on Sesame Street two times, why not Pat Sajak?

[@alexanderip1003]

Until 3 Days ago Trebek Loses his battle with Stage 4 Cancer RIP 1940-2020 we need *a new host ASAP *It would appear Ken Jennings is the perfect candidate

[@MorganNye]

@@alexanderip1003 maybe Will Ferrell or Pat Sajak!

[@nancyjanzen5676]

Thank God you are healing.

[@sophiemckenzie7527]

So happy your okay pain is awful for anyone

[@ihannah02]

I love that he a Vietnam veteran! I respect that! A good man!

[@simonmarshall19]

That’s heart breaking into what Pat Sajack & Alex Trebek are going threw .

[@lauriemcguiness7135]

Trebeks illness is far worse and he said his time on earth is almost up. Prayers for Alex

[@suzanneyoung2964]

Pat Sajax is healed...Alex has stage 4 pancreatic cancer...big difference!!

[@paulsilas9070]

Both shows were created by Merv Griffin.

[@Am71919]

@@suzanneyoung2964 who is Pat Sajax?

[@brianschaffer9220]

@@Am71919 And Pat Sajack? 😂

[@carolmiller6713]

I love your humor, Pat! 40 years without ever missing a day is incredible! I am sorry you had to go through such a scary experience and such excruciating pain (and a scare), but glad you are fully recovered! Vanna did a great job, but I look forward to watching you host Wheel for however long you stick around before retiring. ❤️

[@karenbrown2135]

I am so happy to hear that he is ok.

[@geneterrell999]

I’ m glad Pat is ok now.

[@issacbanks7498]

I'm praying for Pat Sajak and Please do return

[@geraldmurphy1719]

My prayers go out to pat sajak,and family. Wishing you all a pleasant future.

[@LandNfan]

I’ve been a Pat Sajak fan for many years, even before Wheel. I remember him doing weekend weather on Channel 4 in Nashville, and deejay shifts on WSM in the early ‘70s, the same time I was doing weekend announcing on WLAC-FM. I can relate to Pat’s recent illness. In 1996, I was left bent over and moaning by the sudden onset of pancreatitis. In the course of diagnosing that, they discovered I had an abdominal aortic aneurysm, so I have a long scar that probably matches his.

[@dianadobson2154]

So happy you are better Pat. Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS. 😊❤

[@lindahh798]

The Lord has been protecting Pat & I'm glad He saw him through. Vanna did a great job!!!!!!!

[@SuperUkcats]

Linda HH - The lord has NOTHING to do with this! The doctors are the ones who fixed him up! Plus, why hasn’t “the lord” saved Trebek?

[@alispickard9231]

So happy you’re feeling better! My sister has been hospitalized many times for the same thing. Such a horrible experience to see a loved one in so much pain! Prayers

[@lisahinton9682]

I love that he says "I felt badly for....." and not "I felt bad for....." Way to go on the proper use of an adverb, Pat! :-)

[@nduncanhambleton]

"I felt bad" could be correct. 'Bad' is actually the predicate adjective following the linking verb 'felt' in the sentence. He did not 'feel' with his hands; he expressed internally his thoughts and emotions, thus linking himself to an adjective. Had he reached out and touched something, then he could have used the modifier to intensify the verb.

[@thefish5861]

“I felt badly” is incorrect.

[@chrisbaybay7326]

pat has a golden voice

[@Krystalwatchesvideos]

Pat & Vanna still look fantastic! Love Wheel 😊 Glad you’re ok Pat!

[@jjcgrass]

Welcome back Pat glad your back and healthy. God Bless🙏

[@clintjacops958]

Pat, We love you man Stay Strong & Healthy! ❤

[@mariannatrapani5859]

So happy for your recovery. I'm a long time fan of you And wheel of fortune. When you said that you weren't thinking if dying but what your family will have to go through ,you were right on target. I had surgery for ovarian cancer less then 2 yrs after my husband past. My only thought was what is going to happen to my family. They are all grown and have beautiful families of their own. But I still worried about them and having to lose both parents. So I can relate. Thankfully I recovered. And do garlic all is well. God bless you and your family always.

[@donnettekalawan155]

Thank God for the experts hands of the doctors and specialists that took care of you Pat. May HIS healing hands continue to be over you and comfort.

[@judyiler4188]

So glad to see you back to what seems to be your old self again. You were in our prayers. Thanks to Vanna for a terrific job.

[@kymrobeson6631]

I know first hand how dangerous Pat’s condition was, my mom died because of it. Thank goodness he is ok, best wishes to him, his family and Vanna! I too watched the show with my grandfather, mom, & dad, all three have passed.

[@debrasimms6821]

I have grown to love Pat Sajak over the years and truly Appreciate his sense of humor, his Positive Attitude which is instrumental, related to his overall resiliency in LIFE! 🌎🌍🌏🚴‍♀️🎶 STAY HAPPY BE HEalthy PAT & EVERYONE Reading 😘

[@isaacmartinez6904]

Pat, Get well soon.

[@trackmom2167]

True class act!

[@petetotaro9510]

WOW! The wife and I would always say, “There is NO WAY Vanna or Pat could ever be replaced without the WOF going down the drain!” Well, we were wrong, because Vanna was a real trouper! She did keep our interest, while the show, having a slightly different flavor, held our enthusiasm as if the show never quivered! Pat Sajak will always be known as, “Mr. Wheel of Fortune”, while Vanna White will always be known as the instant replacement, should the need arise! Thank God for both being there when our favorite TV game show appears on the Tube!

[@margaretdavis96]

I'm glad he's doing well. Vanna White did a great job for which she wasn't prepared. I applaud her.

[@Am71919]

Wasn't prepared? She's been on that show for 38 years, I'm sure she knew exactly what to do.....

[@sharondonovan1403]

Im so HAPPY YOUR OKAY....THANK GOD....YOUR A TUFF GUY.... WELCOME BACK....ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS.....TAKE CARE💝

[@iwnunn7999]

I would have been terrified. Vanna did great!!

[@melissa1224jax]

Just saw him perform the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, he was amazing.

[@Editing_Queen684]

It's a pleasure to learn more about Pat Sajak. Didn't know he had such diverse interests.

[@clarkgriswold5903]

I watch the show every night, Pat I'm so glad that your OK, keep on truckin'

[@conniebisesi8619]

One of my former pastors had this problem he was supposed to watch his diet but he would eat thing's that would send him to the hospital. He did die but he lived to be 87 years old so you may not have the same thing but something like what he had, that doesn't mean that your going to die you might want to start to watch what you eat.

[@Brucev7]

Avoid GMO Foods, Sodium Fluoride, Artificial Sweeteners, Ingredients, Carageenan, Soda Pop, limit Sugar,

[@marlenejones6266]

Connie Bisesi Ummm his doctors said he doesnt have to watch his diet or do anything different. So i dont think your advice overrides his physicians.

[@conniebisesi8619]

@@marlenejones6266 Ok

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I hope he fully recuperate and comes back healty and strong! Get well Pat🙏

[@dw6796]

"I'd like to solve the puzzle, Pat... is it 'Nine One One'?"

[@ambermedellin6832]

I say, "Get Well or Else"

[@lynnecarnivale5085]

GOD BLESS YOU PAT! Peace, Lynne 🍃💜🍃

[@josephineeager5327]

Watched it for years and the repeats! Super Show!

[@kathyakamimi4989]

Pat Sajak is the heart of Wheel of Fortune. He absolutely makes the show.

[@jakeviane1064]

Pat Sajak is the man. God bless.

[@tonidupont-mora7998]

So happy that you are healing Pat

[@jeffreyhinman1397]

Prayers his way. I was wondering why he wasn’t on the show and Vanna White was the host this week.

[@disneydanny2]

this week was actually the 2nd week of shows he missed because of the surgery. Next week begins 2 weeks of shows he taped before the surgery and then after that the third of the 3 weeks of shows hosted by Vanna will air. so if you're looking to see some sort of acknowledgement of Pat's return to the show, you'll have to wait till January 13th for that.

[@evelynfisher7655]

The same thing happen to me twice.

[@charleskeating9117]

Ive dealt with this also and its scary tough. He seems to have recovered or is recovering well and im certain his family is happy happy happy👍

[@garryjohnson9918]

Charles Keating same

[@ellisc.foleyjr9778]

Bottom line is you're all right Pat and that's what counts. thank you for those many years of devotion and excellent hosting and entertainment. glad you get to continue till you want to go out a winner that you are. God Speed.

[@emilyrogers3271]

Glad Pat is ok. He has definitely been missed on Wheel of Fortune.

[@cdlady54_95]

Excellent interview. Prayed for you Pat, your family and Vanna!

[@bonitawauls6274]

It twisted on itself? Big emergency! Big pain, too. Thank God you are fine now. God bless you.

[@benmottola1343]

Vanna did a great job thank God you're feeling better but good luck to you

[@CaliforniaLu]

So happy to see you are better! Vanna Did a Super GREAT JOB! I taped all her shows just in case I missed it! But I didn't! Gotta Love My Wheel A Fortune

[@vondiamant]

Pat, Love your show and everyone involved in it. VERY happy that you came through his surgery in excellent condition.

[@dg7438]

Pat has such an amazing talent of being quit-witted and funny.

[@bubujooestes1499]

His wife and daughter are beautiful.The daughter is stunning

[@4my2boys2]

bubu joo Estes His wife was in Playboy years ago.

[@francy2127]

wheel of fortune & jeopardy- what is TV without these icons

[@NewEnglandPatriotsfan]

Fear factor also

[@donaldtimmons7675]

Thank you so much Pat for the update, and Vanna for being equally as remarkable! Sure it's a game show, but you guys have dazzled us with your beauty and elagance for a long time, let's not stop now... Best wishes to you both, and the network which brings you to us! Donnie

[@bigperm079]

that lady news reporter was very excited & SO WAS I.

[@carolkerstner720]

Pat had same surgery nov 22 it’s no joke they had warned me what could happen cause of my health but came out fine just very tired ! And if some of you people think this is a joke maybe you need this to happpen to you ! I don’t wish this on no one ! It’s very serious ! And very painful even after surgery ! Pat God Bless glad ur feeling better

[@benadams3569]

I had an intestinal blockage that was probably not what Pat Sajak had exactly, but I can understand how painful it probably was. I thought my abdomen was going to explode...and was wishing it would. So, I can not even imagine what he experienced.. I'm glad he's doing okay now.

[@elisadelatorre5387]

God bless you Pat Sajak

[@PrivateName20234]

Vanna looked and did wonderful. They are icons. And she did an AMAZING job. Happy to hear Pat is doing well. ❤ Be well.

[@andreatrujillo5491]

I LOVE PAT SAJAK, HUMBLE AND A TRUE CLASSY GENTLEMEN! HAPPY HE IS DOING WELL FOR HIMSELF, HIS FAMILY AND AMERICA! ❤ 💕❤

[@james8156]

A great guy and Vietnam vet as well.

[@hazelabdrabbo9393]

Thank goodness you made it through the surgery.👍😎best game show host of all time😊

[@marynoetzel8202]

Leave him alone. He is doing a great job.

[@jacksycz]

Volvulus is a twisting of the intestines; it’s a very uncommon condition. When it occurs, it’s dangerous cause it cuts off blood supply to mesenteric artery and rest of the intestine below it. I wish him well.

[@MTknitter22]

Jack Sycz, Jr He looks pretty well but he needs to take it easy.

[@gayelocklear1955]

So very thankful that Pat was taken to the hospital quickly and so thankful that his surgery was successful and that he's doing well !! This could have turned out completely different, but God surely had his alright hand on Pat !!! Vanna is doing a great job on the show. I loved the advice that Pat gave to her about not going on social media. Yes, people can be so mean; very wise and thoughtful advice Pat !! I do miss Pat on the Wheel of Fortune each night with Vanna and I truly look forward to him coming back. I miss watching you each night Pat and again, I am so thankful to hear that you are doing well !!! 💗💗

[@pjfetts893]

Vanna did a GREAT job! God bless them both!

[@yvettebaini5924]

Prayers' and a happy healthy 2023 Pat. you make the show even more fun with your sense of humor .love you and sweet Vanna.

[@karenbelow6123]

VANNA WHITE YOU DID A GREAT SHOW TAKING THE PLACE OF PAT SAJAK .BE GLAD TO SEEING YOU BACK AT WORK PAT ! LOVE YOU TWO , KEEP UP THE GREAT JOB .LOVE KAREN 😊😊😍👍👍✨✨💃👠🙇👞🤕🤔🌹🌹🌹🌹🌷🌺🌺🙋🙋

[@johnfroelich8554]

Did he say "vowels" or "bowels?"...

[@SUGAR_XYLER]

🖒😁😁😁

[@Anna_YYZ]

They said..intestinal blockage...so bowels.

[@TammieJ2001]

That sound like Mekels Diverticulitis. My son had that when he was 10yrs olds. He had to have emergency abdominal sugery also. In his case he was septic. Had a very high fever and swelled up. Through the grace of God he made it.

[@lonieloper5214]

Vanna did a GREAT JOB of Filling some Big "SHOES"! We love you Pat! We are praying for you and your family! God bless you. We miss you!