Pat Sajak Eats a Sandwich During Shocking Appearance on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Set: ‘We Miss You’

Wheel of Fortune fans got a glimpse of their favorite former host, Pat Sajak, behind the scenes of the game show.

In a new video, current host Ryan Seacrest said that in celebration of the show’s 50th anniversary, he wanted to give props to all of the people who work so tirelessly behind the scenes of the beloved series.

“We’re celebrating Wheel’s 50th anniversary, and one of my favorite parts of the show has been getting to know the crew since I started, so I wanted to introduce you to some of the amazing people who make this thing come together and happen every single night,” Ryan, 50, said before sharing the names of the people who work on the show as he made his way around the space.

“As we continue on. This is our former host … Hey Pat,” the American Idol host said as the camera panned to Pat, 78, eating a sandwich.

After the brief moment with Pat backstage, Vanna White called out to Ryan to ask him if he was “ready for a great show.” They then headed out onto the stage. Ryan assumed hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune in September 2024 in season 42 after Pat retired from the program.

In the comments section of the YouTube video, fans of the show were freaking out over Pat’s cameo.

“Pat Sajak we miss you!” one person said, while another added, “I KNEW I wasn’t seeing things! Nice to see Pat’s cameo!”

“Great seeing a cameo of Pat Sajak!” another wrote, as another penned, “I guess Pat is about to make his special appearance at the end of an episode during this week. I think it’s most likely the Friday episode.”

“Happy 50th anniversary The wheel of Fortune. I remember when wheel of Fortune started in 1975 with Chuck woolery as the host,” another remarked. Woolery died on November 23, 2024, at age 83.

While Pat is no longer taking the stage each night with his signature wit and charm as host of the show, he is still a consultant on the program for the next three years.

In between his consulting on the show, Pat is gearing up to star in a stage production of a past Columbo episode titled Prescription: Murder with pal Joe Moore.

“They’ve been close for decades and have been waiting for a chance to work together again,” an insider told Closer in June 2024 of the project. “They even did a production of The Odd Couple together a couple of years ago — because it was a reflection of their dynamic as a duo!”

The Hawaii Theatre Center production will run from July 31 to August 10, 2025. And folks who love Pat have some more good news to look forward to. He will be hosting one more season of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, ABC announced.

“Pat’s finally getting the chance to follow his dream,” the source said. “He doesn’t need the spotlight or the cash anymore.”

“He’s taking some well-deserved time off before he pursues his second act!” they added.