Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, 77, was spotted alongside his glamorous wife, Lesly Brown, 59, for the first time in seven years – ahead of his final TV episode.
The couple, known for their privacy, dined with friends at Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica on June 4, just days before Sajak’s final episode as host of the iconic game show airs.
With his final show airing Friday – it was taped on April 5 – Sajak and Brown took some time to enjoy a leisurely catch-up with friends, soaking in the sea breeze from their window-side table at the popular restaurant, which hosts a clientele of old Hollywood personalities.
The rare sighting comes as Sajak prepares to bid farewell to Wheel of Fortune after a 43-year run at its helm. Guinness World Records recognizes him as the longest-running game show host on a single show.
Exclusive Dailymail.com photos show Sajak, known for his slick style and age-defying appearance, looking dapper in a navy crewneck sweater and jeans.
The beloved Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, 77, was spotted alongside his glamorous wife, Lesly Brown, 59, for the first time in seven years – ahead of his final TV episode
The couple, known for their privacy, dined with friends at Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica on June 4, just days before Sajak’s final episode as host of the iconic game show airs
The outing comes as Sajak prepares to bid farewell to Wheel of Fortune after a 43-year run at its helm
Meanwhile, Brown, a former model who once graced the pages of Playboy’s ‘Women of Washington’ issue, wore an elegant floral top, high-waisted jeans, and designer shades.
The couple’s love story began after Sajak’s divorce from his previous wife, Sherrill, in 1986.
Pat and Lesly tied the knot on New Year’s Eve in 1989, and their marriage produced two children: Patrick, 33, and Maggie, 29, who has followed in her father’s footsteps and landed a role on Wheel of Fortune alongside Vanna White and incoming host Ryan Seacrest.
The long-serving presenter, 77, has hosted the show since 1981, but announced he would be retiring last June after the 41st season.
Ahead of Pat’s final episode this Friday, he sat down for a Good Morning America interview with his daughter Maggie and explained why now is the ‘right time’ to leave
The couple, known for their privacy, dined with friends at Ivy at the Shore in Santa Monica on June 4, just days before Sajak’s final episode as host of the iconic game show
Sajak, known for his slick style, looked dapper in a navy crewneck sweater and jeans
Pat and Lesly tied the knot on New Year’s Eve in 1989
Meanwhile, Brown, a former model who once graced the pages of Playboy’s ‘Women of Washington’ issue, wore an elegant floral top, high-waisted jeans, and designer shades
Maggie, 29, who serves as the show’s social media correspondent, asked: ‘What made you decide that this is the right time for you to leave the show?’
‘I have always said, you heard me say this dozens of times – I’d rather leave a couple years too early than too late,’ Pat replied.
‘Could I still do it? Yeah. I think I could for a while. [But] there’s also some other things in life we’d like to do.’
He continued: ‘I’m enjoying this last year. It’s been a great 40 years. I’m looking forward to whatever’s ahead.’
The couple’s love story began after Sajak’s divorce from his previous wife, Sherrill Sajak, in 1986
While Pat has said he’s open to new projects, he’s looking forward to the simple life
The way they were: Pat and Lesly were at Mann Chinese Theater in Hollywood in 1992 for the premiere of the Billy Crystal movie Mr. Saturday Night
The rare sighting comes as Sajak prepares to bid farewell to Wheel of Fortune after a 43-year run at its helm
Pat with Vanna White and actor Dwight Schultz on Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune in 1985, four years after he first took over the hosting gig from Chuck Woolery
Pat, 77, sat down with his daughter Maggie, 29, to discuss why it was the right time to leave
While Pat has said he’s open to new projects, he’s looking forward to the simple life.
‘I’m happy if it just means I’ll continue with my crossword puzzles and play with my grandchildren,’ he told his daughter, before adding: ‘Hint hint. No pressure.’
Wrapping up their chat, Maggie said: ‘The show means the world to us. It’s been such a gift and you have made what could have just been hangman into a cultural phenomenon.’
‘So thank you for the amazing 40 plus years,’ she added, while beginning to choke up.
Pat then got to his feet to give his daughter – who was visibly overcome with emotion – a hug.
The departing host will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest, 49, while long-time letter turner Vanna White, 67, will remain on the show.
