Vanna White Reveals Surprising "Wheel of Fortune" Work Schedule
Vanna White, the iconic co-host of "Wheel of Fortune," recently unveiled some surprising details about her work schedule on the long-running game show. In a candid appearance on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, White, who has graced television screens alongside the spinning wheel for an impressive 42 years, set the record straight about the production schedule of the beloved series.
The revelation came about when radio co-host Nate Marino expressed his astonishment upon learning that "Wheel of Fortune" isn’t broadcast live every evening. "We film about 34 days a year," White disclosed, much to the surprise of the hosts. "That’s it. But [we film] six shows a day. Come on. You could feel bad for me," she playfully added, as the hosts reacted with amazement at the concentrated filming schedule.
Elvis Duran, however, didn’t seem to share her sentiment, quipping, "I do not feel sorry for you one bit. That sounds like a great job." Danielle Monaro, another co-host, exclaimed, "That’s six different dresses a day!" White confirmed with a smile, highlighting another unique aspect of her role on the show.
Earlier in the interview, White mentioned that she has worn over 8,000 dresses during her tenure on "Wheel of Fortune," ensuring that each episode features a different and dazzling gown. This impressive feat of sartorial variety was only briefly interrupted in 2020, when a production error led to her repeating a dress for the first time in decades. Following this incident, White and the production team implemented stricter protocols to prevent any future wardrobe repetitions.
Marino continued to struggle with the implications of White’s revelation, exclaiming, "So weird. You have 331 days off a year?" Duran chimed in, noting, "He’s doing the math." White confirmed with a laugh, "Yes, I guess so." Duran, acknowledging her dedication and contributions to the show, added, "And no one deserves it more than you. You’re just the best."
White, who is also an author with her book "Vanna Speaks," made her debut on "Wheel of Fortune" in 1982. She co-hosted the show alongside the legendary Pat Sajak for decades, forming an iconic television duo until Sajak’s retirement last year.
Sajak’s final episode aired on June 7th, marking the end of an era. His departure came almost a year after he initially announced his retirement plans on June 12, 2023. The beloved host made a final appearance on "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" on October 7th, offering fans one last opportunity to celebrate his remarkable career.
In June 2023, "Wheel of Fortune" announced that Ryan Seacrest, the longtime host of "American Idol," would be stepping in to fill Sajak’s shoes after his retirement. The transition marked a significant change for the show, as viewers had grown accustomed to the familiar dynamic between White and Sajak.
After a clip from White’s appearance on Elvis Duran and the Morning Show was shared on the show’s Instagram account, fans flooded the comments section with their reactions to her surprising revelation. One social media user enthusiastically wrote, "34 days of work in a year and your net worth is over 80 million!!! Youuuu WIN!!"
Another fan chimed in, "An American icon if ever there was one!" Further emphasizing White’s seemingly effortless success and timeless appearance, one comment read, "This is why she looks 40.. She’s barely worked a day in her life, she’s cracked the code… the fountain of youth."
During the interview, Duran acknowledged the inevitable adjustment period following Sajak’s departure. "There must have been a little bit of an adjustment," he observed. White concurred, stating, "And not just for me. For everybody who watched for 41 years [that] Pat and I have been doing the show. And then Pat decided to retire, and he’s very happy. I saw him a couple of weeks ago. He looks great. And Ryan took over, and he’s doing a great job. And he said, ‘Look, no one can ever replace Pat Sajak. I’m just here to fill in.’"
Danielle Monaro playfully suggested that White should be in charge of the show, exclaiming, "I feel like you should be in charge now because, like, you’re Vanna White. Like, ‘You listen to me, Ryan Seacrest.’" White responded with her characteristic humility and grace, "I think maybe he would listen to me, but I don’t have anything to say. He’s doing a fine job."
White’s comments highlight her respect for Seacrest and her willingness to embrace the new dynamic on "Wheel of Fortune." While acknowledging the significant impact of Sajak’s departure, she remains optimistic about the future of the show and confident in Seacrest’s ability to carry on the legacy. The enduring popularity of "Wheel of Fortune," coupled with Vanna White’s iconic presence and Ryan Seacrest’s fresh perspective, suggests that the show will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
