Sajak is a surname that is most commonly associated with Pat Sajak, an American television personality and longtime host of the game show Wheel of Fortune. Pat Sajak was born on October 26, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois. He began his broadcasting career after serving in the United States Army in the late 1960s, working as a local television weatherman and news presenter before moving to national television. In 1981 he became the host of Wheel of Fortune, which went on to become one of the most successful syndicated game shows in the United States. He has co-hosted the program with Vanna White, who has served as the show's puzzle assistant since 1982. Sajak's long tenure on Wheel of Fortune is noted for its longevity and his steady, understated on-air persona.