Pat Sajak’s Next Career Move Has Him Back on Stage in New Role

It’s been less than a week since beloved game show host Pat Sajak’s final episode of “Wheel of Fortune” aired, and he already has a new gig lined up that will have him back on stage before a live audience.

The 77-year-old will play the part of “brilliant psychiatrist” Dr. Roy Flemming, who conspires with his mistress to murder his “neurotic and possessive wife.” Mr. Moore’s character, Lt. Columbo, is assigned to investigate the case “in a battle of wits” until the play’s surprising turning point.

Mr. Moore’s son, Bryce Moore, also has a role in the play as the personal friend of Mr. Sajak’s character.

The play is scheduled to run from July 31, 2025, to Aug. 10, 2025, at the Hawaii Theatre Center in Honolulu.

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“Prescription: Murder” is a 1962 play and the inspiration behind the TV series “Columbo,” which originally aired on NBC from 1971 to 1978.

The season 41 finale, dubbed as the “Thanks for the Memories ” show, opened with a clip from Mr. Sajaks’s first episode and closed with his heartfelt message of gratitude.

The beloved host expressed his gratitude to the viewers of the show for granting him the “incredible privilege to be invited into millions of homes night after night, year after year, decade after decade.”

He also thanked his “professional other half,” Vanna White, who has co-hosted alongside him for more than 40 years. She offered an emotional tribute to Mr. Sajak a day earlier.

“We’ve seen a lot of changes in each other’s lives over the years, but we’ve always been there for each other,” Mr. Sajak said. “I will miss our nightly closes and her laughter and her good nature. She’s a very special woman.”

Then, he reminded her that she would still see plenty of him since they live only five miles apart.

He offered much praise and thanks to the crew and staff, some of whom have been working on the show for as long as he has.

Mr. Sajak also thanked his family, including his daughter Maggie Sajak, who joined the staff in 2021 as the show’s social correspondent. He also mentioned his son Patrick and his wife Lesly.

During Ms. White’s tribute, she said Mr. Sajak was “like a brother” and a “true lifelong friend.” In the pre-recorded video, she added that their friendship was more valuable to her than their professional partnership.

Mr. Sajak announced his plans to make Season 41 his last as the show’s host.

TV host Ryan Seacrest will succeed Mr. Sajak as the show’s host, and Ms. White will remain co-host through the 2025-2026 season based on a contract extension she signed in September 2023.

“Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades. Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers,” Mr. Seacrest wrote on Instagram on June 8, alongside a photo and a video of Mr. Sajak and Ms. White at the game show’s familiar set.

“You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere, and this marks the end of an era.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.