Pat Sajak replaced as 'Wheel of Fortune' host? Jared Leto steps in for April Fools' Day prank

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY
Updated ·2 min read
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Relax "Wheel of Fortune" fans — Jared Leto has not replaced Pat Sajak as host.

Leto gave fans an April Fools' Day start stepping out arm-in-arm with regular co-host Vanna White at the beginning of Monday's "Wheel of Fortune." It was like Leto belonged on the famed set over which Sajak has ruled for more than four decades.

The "Joker" actor even got the big-time, deep-voiced announcer introduction: "Here are the stars of our show, Jared Leto and Vanna White."

Wait, what?

Leto told White, "Have a great show and see you soon," before taking his place at host Sajak's regular game spot and just got into the "Wheel of Fortune" business.

Jared Leto and Vanna White walk out on Monday's "Wheel of Fortune."
Jared Leto and Vanna White walk out on Monday's "Wheel of Fortune."

"All right everybody, grab those devices, it's time to give away some money," Leto told the three gamely smiling contestants. "It's $1,000 in our first toss-up, the category is 'On the Map.'"

That's where the April Fools' Day joke stopped. Sajak took his rightful spot and continued the show without comments on Leto's appearance.

Sajak, 77, announced last year that he will step down after this 41st season as host of "Wheel of Fortune." Ryan Seacrest has been tapped to step in for Sajak next fall.

"Well, the time has come," he said at the time. "It's been a wonderful ride." But that SAD departure is not until June. This was pure April Fools' Day fun.

After his Monday stint, Leto featured a clip of the show on his Instagram Stories, asking "How'd I do?"

Leto already had his dream come true appearing as "the worst contestant ever" (his words) last November with his brother Shannon Leto. In the clip Leto tweeted, the actor/musician told Sajak that he used to watch "Wheel of Fortune" with his grandmother Ruby.

"How's Grandma Ruby doing?" Sajak asked.

"She's gone, Pat," Leto replied. Later in the clip promoting their band's tour, both Shannon and Jared guessed the letter "Z" for the puzzle. The answer was "30 Seconds to Mars World Tour."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak replaced by Jared Leto: Watch