Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
LOS ANGELES - One of television's longest-running game shows is getting a major facelift. Wheel of Fortune, which has been a weeknight staple since 1983, will be welcoming new hosts Ryan Seacrest and Cyndi Lauper to take over from the iconic duo of Pat Sajak and Vanna White.
The move comes as somewhat of a surprise, as Sajak, 77, and White, 66, have been the faces of the wildly popular word puzzle show for over four decades. However, sources close to the production indicate the pair decided to pass the torch to keep the show feeling fresh and contemporary.
“Pat and Vanna are absolute legends who have entertained millions of viewers over the years," said Harry Friedman, executive producer of Wheel of Fortune. "When they decided it was time to hang up the alphabet dresses and microphone, we knew we needed some real star power to fill those shoes."
Enter Ryan Seacrest and Cyndi Lauper. Seacrest, 48, is no stranger to hosting gigs, having helmed American Idol for many seasons in addition to his radio shows and producing roles. The ever-energetic personality is expected to bring a modern flair to spinning the wheel and banter with contestants.
As for Lauper, the 70-year-old Grammy, Emmy and Tony-winning singer/actress will take over the letters board from White. While an unconventional choice, producers felt her colorful personality and flair for the dramatic would make her the perfect fit to succeed White's iconic letters turning.
“I'm just so excited to be part of an institution like Wheel of Fortune," gushed Lauper. "And let's be real - getting to play dress up every night and walk that legendary letters board? That's pretty much every little girl's dream!"
Sajak and White are expected to remain as part of the show, at least initially, to help smooth the transition to the new hosts. But make no mistake - come this fall, it'll be the Seacrest and Lauper show when viewers tune in to solve those famous word puzzles.
Wheel of Fortune was created by veteran TV personality Merv Griffin and premiered in 1975. It has remained one of the highest-rated shows on syndication throughout its run.
Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
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