Vanna White has been co-hosting Wheel of Fortune since December of 1982. During the nearly 42 years that she’s had this gig, she’s become beloved by Americans everywhere.
That’s why it came as somewhat of a sad surprise when White claimed in a new interview that she is no longer needed on this game show, thanks to modern technology.
‘They Could Do It Without Me’
In a new interview with Parade, White opened up about how things have changed on Wheel of Fortune during her tenure as a co-host.
“And my role on the puzzle board has changed,” said White, 67. “When I first started, I had to physically turn every letter. Then they switched to TV monitors, so I just had to touch the letters and they would light up.”
“Now the board is operated by a laser,” she continued. “It’s like a flat screen. And when I go to touch the letter, the laser catches my movement. It’s crazy, right?”
This statement led White’s interviewer to begin to wonder, “So if the letters can light up automatically…”
“I’m telling you right now, don’t say it,” White quickly replied. “They need me!”
However, White then admitted, “With all the electronics today, obviously they could do it without me.”
That being said, White still believe that she adds value to Wheel of Fortune.
“But people love watching what I’m wearing,” she explained. “I’ve worn over 8,000 outfits. So I think the audience likes to see if I’m wearing red today, or blue. Is it going to be elegant or short? My wardrobe is a big part of it.”
And she’s absolutely right!
White’s Humble History
White has long been known for her humble attitude. It could very well be that her mentality that she’s disposable on Wheel of Fortune led to her not getting a raise for 18 years.
When Pat Sajak, 77, announced his retirement last year, fans were stunned to learn that White had not been given a raise on Wheel of Fortune for nearly two decades. From 2005 until 2023, White made just $3 million for her role, a salary that was nearly five times lower than Sajak’s.
After this came to light, White finally fought for a raise as she negotiated a contract that would keep her on Wheel of Fortune through at least 2026. In September of last year, sources told TMZ that White had secured a “substantial pay increase,” though her lawyer Bryan Freedman said that they had some “very difficult negotiations” with Sony.
The exact amount of White’s raise has not been made public. However, Freedman said that they had gotten her salary up to at least half of what Sajak was making. At the time of his retirement, Sajak was making $15 per year on Wheel of Fortune.
Related: Vanna White May Take Over ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ If Ryan Seacrest Can’t Win Over Audience
White Still Loves Her Work OnWheel Of Fortune
With this uncomfortable ordeal behind her, White has said that she is still enjoying her life on Wheel of Fortune.
“I love coming to work,” she said in her latest interview. “I love watching people win…I love changing people’s lives. There’s a lot of stuff on TV that is so dramatic, and this is a half-hour of family fun and escape from so much. It’s such a positive family show. I love being part of that. So I’m not ready to leave.”
Watch White talk more about this in the video below.
White may think that Wheel of Fortune does not “need” her, but we respectfully disagree. The reality is that Wheel of Fortune would never be the same without Vanna White. Here’s hoping that she stays on the game show for many years to come!
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