Following in her father’s footsteps, Maggie Sajak made her television debut at just one year old in 1996 on an episode of Wheel of Fortune. Carried onstage by her father, Pat Sajak, she charmed the audience with her natural presence in front of the camera. Now 29, she works as the social correspondent for the show, taking viewers behind the scenes and conducting interviews with contestants for both the syndicated Wheel and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC, sharing these segments on social media.
Maggie has also stepped into the spotlight on Wheel of Fortune, filling in for Vanna White in 2023 when White temporarily took over hosting duties from her father. Despite speculation about Maggie taking over as the new host after Pat Sajak’s departure, the role ultimately went to Ryan Seacrest. Maggie, however, still maintains a strong connection to the show. Here are some interesting facts about her.
1. She’s an Ivy League graduate.
Maggie completed her undergraduate studies at Princeton University, earned a postgraduate degree from Columbia, and recently finished law school at Georgetown.
2. She’s a musical talent.
Maggie launched a country music career in her teens, releasing her first single “First Kiss” at the age of 16. She credits her mother, not her father, for instilling in her a love for music. In an interview with Teen Vogue in 2013, Maggie said, “I have my mother to thank for my love of music. She sang and played keyboard in a band when she was young.”
3. She enjoys her role on Wheel of Fortune.
Upon becoming the social correspondent, Maggie expressed her gratitude for the Wheel of Fortune team, describing them as an extended family. She enjoys offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the show and mentioned the perk of using the carpool lane with her father.
4. White sees potential in Maggie as her successor.
Vanna White has expressed confidence in Maggie’s ability to step in if needed, citing her lifelong exposure to the show as a valuable asset.
5. Maggie’s current relationship is with Scottish actor Ross McCall (Band of Brothers).
Despite her romantic involvement, Maggie’s primary love is her adopted Pomeranian, Jak. Pat Sajak once quipped about the most common question he receives regarding Maggie’s love life, confirming that Jak is indeed a significant presence in her life.
Excerpt from TV Guide Magazine’s Wheel of Fortune: Farewell, Pat Sajak issue. For more information on the show and Pat’s final episode, check out the magazine in stores or online at WheelofFortuneMag.com.
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