Why was Chuck Woolery replaced by Pat Sajak on ‘Wheel of Fortune’?

Chuck Woolerywho died on November 23 at the age of 83, is perhaps best known as the original host of the hit TV game show Wheel of Fortune. However, the hosting gig was eventually given to Pat Sajak after Woolery’s departure in 1981.

But why did Woolery leave one of the most popular and long-running game shows of all time? Due to a contract dispute, Woolery was replaced by Sajak, who hosted WoF until recently to take its final spin and hand over hosting duties to Ryan Seacrest.

SIGN UP for Parade’s Trending News newsletter and we’ll keep you posted on the viral pop culture moments and celebrity news everyone’s talking about

After Wheel of Fortune premiered in 1975, it took television by storm. In 1981, Woolery was paid $65,000 a year, but his salary was not quite in line with what his competitors were earning.

Related: Chuck Woolery, ‘Love Connection’ and Original ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Host, Dead at 83

According to The Hollywood ReporterWoolery recalled in 2007 that he requested an increase to about $500,000 at the time. Creator Merv Griffinwho hired Woolery as WoF host after watching him perform a cover of “Delta Dawn” on The Merv Griffin Showreportedly offered him $400,000, and NBC said it would make up the difference.

However, Griffin reportedly became angry at the ordeal and threatened to quit Wheel of Fortune from the network and take it to CBS.

The contract dispute ended with NBC withdrawing its offer to Woolery, and he was ultimately let go from the game show and replaced by Sajak. Original letter returner Susan Stafford was also replaced by Vanna White.

Related: Vanna White Tells the Surprising Story of How She Landed Her ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Role

In a 2003 interview with New York TimesWoolery said he regretted how things turned out. “If I hadn’t gone Wheel of FortuneI would make about $10 million a year now,” he said.

Sajak was the host Wheel of Fortune from 1981 to 2024. After his departure, Seacrest took his first spin during the premiere episode of Season 42 on September 9.

Related: Find out legendary game show host Chuck Woolery’s net worth at the time of his death

During Seacrest’s debut week as host, Wheel of Fortune experienced its largest opening week audience in five years, according to Nielsen. The premiere week averaged 8.31 million viewers, and the game show cemented itself as No. 1 in syndication.

News of Woolery’s death was confirmed by Mark Younga close friend who hosted the podcast Blunt Force Truth with him. He said Woolery died at his home in Texas with his wife, Christianby his side, adding: “Chuck was a dear friend and brother and a man of tremendous faith, life will not be the same without him.”

Next: Viewers Can’t Believe ‘Crazy’ and ‘Insane’ String of Bad Luck on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Episode: ‘What Are the Odds’