Ryan Seacrest is a well-known figure in the entertainment world, but he’s feeling the pressure as he gets ready to take over from Pat Sajak as the host of *Wheel of Fortune*.
According to sources in the US, Radar Online reports that Seacrest is using special techniques to deal with his anxiety about this big new job.
Fans know that 77-year-old Sajak is stepping down after more than 40 years as the show’s host. Seacrest, who is 49, has been chosen to replace him, but taking over such an important role is a huge challenge.
Even though Seacrest has a long and successful career on TV, insiders say he still feels the pressure of taking on such an iconic job.
One source told Radar Online: “Ryan often takes on more than he can handle. He’s nervous right now, but he’s always wanted to be the next Dick Clark, and he’s become that. But he’s only human, and filling Pat Sajak’s shoes on *Wheel of Fortune* is a massive challenge.”
If anyone is right for the job, it’s Ryan Seacrest, who also hosts *American Idol*. But to prepare for hosting *Wheel of Fortune*, he’s using some tried-and-true methods to get ready. The first episodes with Seacrest as host are expected to air this September.
According to a source, “He’s doing everything he can to handle the nerves before his new job. That includes getting at least eight hours of sleep and listening to audiobooks for anxiety, because Ryan doesn’t know how to switch off by himself.”
The source added, “He has other helpful tricks, too. Just going outside for some fresh air and sunshine helps him relax. He’ll also have a cozy, air-conditioned trailer at the studio where he can unwind.”
Ryan Seacrest shared a heartfelt tribute to Pat Sajak three weeks ago. In his message, he praised the famous host’s partnership with Vanna White, 67, and said Sajak had “set the standard for hosts everywhere.”
On Instagram, Seacrest wrote, “Pat, congratulations on an incredible run with *Wheel of Fortune*! Your dedication, charm, and wit have made the show a beloved part of American television for decades.”
He continued, “Your partnership with Vanna has been nothing short of iconic, and together, you’ve created countless wonderful memories for viewers. You’ve set the standard for hosts everywhere.”
Remembering Bill Hayes, actor and long-time TV star
Bill Hayes, a pivotal figure of day-time television passed away at the age of 98.
Hayes was probably best known for his portrayal of Doug Williams on Days of Our Lives since 1970, appearing in over 2,100 episodes of the show. The role of the former con artist-turned-lounge singer became one of the longest-running characters in the show’s history.
Hayes was born in Harvey, Illinois, in 1925. Before becoming an actor, he started a career of a musician and a performer, reaching a Billboard chart-topping hit with The Ballad of Davy Crockett in 1955.
In 1953, Hayes had his Broadway debut in Me and Juliet and over the course of a decade he appeared in a number of productions.
By 1970, Hayes, a divorced father of five, was hoping to land a role closer to home when he joined the cast of Days of Our Lives, a decision that would define his career and endear him to millions of viewers.
It was on set that he met the great love of his life, actress Susan Seaforth, who played Julie Williams. Their on-screen chemistry translated into real life and the two tied the knot in 1974. They stayed together until Hayes’ passing.
Speaking of the instant connection they felt when they laid eyes on each other, Seaforth once said, “I’d seen enough to know that he was special.” Others could also see their unexplained connection. “We had a scene together shortly after meeting, and the head writer saw something going on between the two of us, just two people looking at each other, and he threw out the other plot lines he had for our characters,” she added.
Hayes and Seaforth Hayes were both honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2018 Daytime Emmys for their enduring contributions to television. The couple’s acceptance speech was heartfelt, with Bill expressing gratitude for the fans who considered them part of their own lives.
Honoring Hayes, a representative for the Peacock series told The Times in a statement, “It is with a heavy heart that we share the passing of our beloved Bill Hayes. One of the longest running characters on ‘Days of our Lives,’ Bill originated the role of Doug Williams in 1970 and portrayed him continuously throughout his life. He and his wife, Susan Seaforth Hayes, remained the foundation of the Williams-Horton family spanning more than 50 years.”
“I have known Bill for most of my life and he embodied the heart and soul of ‘Days of Our Lives,’” executive producer Ken Corday said in a statement. “Although we are grieving and will miss him, Bill’s indelible legacy will live on in our hearts and the stories we tell, both on and off the screen.”
In addition to his iconic role on Days of Our Lives, Bill Hayes had other notable television appearances, including roles in Matlock and Frasier. During the 1950s and 60s, he featured in TV adaptations of popular musicals such as Kiss Me, Kate and Once Upon a Mattress. He also portrayed John Brooks in the 1958 TV movie Little Women.
The cause of Hayes’ death hasn’t been disclosed with the public.
Rest in peace, legend.
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