Pat Sajak used to present ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ drunk

Many people might wonder whether hosts of popular television shows ever present their usual programmes under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Not that it is a common practice, but some attitudes and ways of demonstrating excitement might be a little over the top. This week Pat Sajak admitted that he used to present the popular 80’s show ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ when drunk. And, apparently, it was not an isolated episode.

Unexpected Revelation

The confession came when Sajak was being interviewed by Dan Le Batard of “Dan Le Batard is Highly Questionable”. To Batard, Sajak said “yes, when I first started and was much younger and could tolerate those things, we had a different show then.” At that time, Sajak had two-and-a-half-hour dinner breaks in order to wait while the production of the show changed prizes. Together with him, his co-host Vanna White would make him company on the drinks.

According to him, he and Whine would go to a Mexican bar across the street, called Los Arcos, and get themselves some drinks before getting back to work. “Vanna and I would go across and have two or three or six and then come and do the last shows and have trouble recognizing the alphabet. They’re really great tapes to get a hold of.”

Consented Permission

Considering the average of alcohol that both of them were ingesting before presenting an entire show, Batard questioned Sajak about the quality of the show when they were drunk, compared to when the couple was sober. Curious as it can be, Sajak was not so interested in keeping a good image for his bosses, but believes that he ended up doing a good job.

“I had a great time. I have no idea if the shows were any good, but no one said anything, so I guess I did OK,” said Sajak. About the way he prefers to work today, considering that he is still a television host, Sajak guarantees that alcohol is not a part of his professional life anymore. “I would be hesitant to have anything to drink now.”