Vanna White’s Culinary Confessions: A Life Beyond the Wheel

Vanna White, the iconic co-host of "Wheel of Fortune," has captivated audiences for over four decades with her glamorous presence and effortless charm. While she’s known for her dazzling array of gowns and her knack for revealing letters, a recent appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show" offered a glimpse into her life beyond the spinning wheel, revealing a surprising truth: Vanna White isn’t much of a cook.

Alongside her son, Nikko Santo Pietro, a professional chef, White engaged in a lively conversation with Barrymore, shedding light on her culinary preferences and family history. The segment showcased Nikko’s culinary talents as he prepared a fire-roasted salsa, a dish that both his mother and Barrymore savored. It was during this culinary demonstration that Barrymore inquired about White’s own cooking skills, or rather, the perceived lack thereof.

"Are you like your son, do you cook in the kitchen?" Barrymore asked, prompting a candid response from White. "No," she declared, followed by a lighthearted, "Why should I?" This simple statement sparked a wave of curiosity among viewers, intrigued by the lifestyle of a woman who has graced television screens for generations.

The conversation then shifted to White’s family history, specifically her ex-husband, George Santo Pietro, Nikko’s father. George, it turns out, is also a skilled cook and was the owner of the renowned Los Angeles restaurant, Santopietro’s. According to his IMDb page, the restaurant, located in Bel-Air, was a celebrity hotspot during the 1980s, frequented by the who’s who of Hollywood. Barrymore herself fondly recalled her visits to Santopietro’s, reminiscing about its popularity and status as "the place to be."

White’s marriage to George lasted from 1990 to 2002, and together they have two children: Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro and Nicholas "Nikko" Santo Pietro. While White may not share her ex-husband and son’s passion for cooking, she clearly appreciates their culinary abilities and enjoys the fruits of their labor.

This isn’t the first time White’s relationship with cooking has been brought to light. Back in December, she and Nikko created a cooking video for Instagram, which quickly went viral. In the video, Nikko prepared "Uncle Roy’s Chicken," while White admitted that she is "not a good cook" but is grateful for her son’s expertise. The comments section of the video, however, focused less on the recipe and more on Nikko’s attractive appearance, with many users jokingly inquiring about his relationship status.

The "Drew Barrymore Show" appearance further solidified White’s image as a glamorous personality with a down-to-earth approach to life. While she may not be whipping up gourmet meals in the kitchen, she embraces her role as a supportive mother and enjoys the creations of her talented son.

Beyond the culinary revelations, the conversation on the show also touched upon White’s iconic wardrobe on "Wheel of Fortune." Over her four-decade career, she estimates that she has worn over 8,000 gowns. Barrymore, intrigued by the sheer volume of clothing, asked if White ever considered keeping any of the dresses.

White explained that while she doesn’t get to keep the dresses permanently, she is allowed to borrow them for special occasions like the Emmys. She also revealed that when she’s not on set, she prefers to relax in sweatpants or pajamas, echoing her son’s sentiment that after dressing up for work, the last thing they want to do is get dressed up at home.

Her co-hosting journey with Pat Sajak began in 1982 and spanned over four decades, becoming a beloved duo in television history. In 2024, Sajak retired, and Ryan Seacrest stepped into his shoes. White openly admitted to initial trepidation about the chemistry with Ryan Seacrest, but she appears to be moving forward.

Vanna White’s story is one of enduring success and adaptability. From her humble beginnings to her status as a television icon, she has remained grounded and relatable. While she may not be a culinary expert, she embraces her role as a supportive mother and enjoys the simple pleasures of life, like relaxing in comfortable clothes after a day of dazzling on screen. Her candidness and authenticity have endeared her to audiences for generations, proving that her appeal extends far beyond the spinning wheel and the glittering gowns. She is a reminder that true glamour comes from within, and that sometimes, the best things in life are the simple things, like a delicious meal prepared by a loved one. The fact that she admits she does not feel the need to cook herself just makes her even more endearing. It also proves the point that you can’t be great at everything.