who was the first emcee of wheel of fortune
Wheel of Fortune (U.S. game show) The original host of Wheel of Fortune was Chuck Woolery, who hosted the series from its 1975 premiere[9][38] until December 25, 1981, save for one week in August 1980 when Alex Trebek hosted in his place. Woolery's departure came over a salary dispute with show creator Merv Griffin, and his contract was not renewed.[12][39] On December 28, 1981, Pat Sajak made his debut as the host of Wheel.[40] Griffin said that he chose Sajak for his "odd" sense of humor. NBC president and CEO Fred Silverman objected as he felt Sajak, who at the time of his hiring was the weatherman for KNBC-TV, was "too local" for a national audience. Griffin countered by telling Silverman he would stop production if Sajak was not allowed to become host, and Silverman acquiesced.[41]