For decades, Vanna White has been the face of elegance and charm on ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ But there’s so much more to her than what you see on TV. Let’s dive into five fascinating facts about Vanna White, the woman who’s turned flipping letters into an art form.
I Nearly Blew My ‘Wheel’ Audition
Believe it or not, Vanna wasn’t always the confident, poised host we know today. When she auditioned for ‘Wheel of Fortune’ at 25, she admits she was a nervous wreck. “I was so anxious because I wanted that job so badly,” she recalls. “I could barely form a sentence. My legs were shaking, my voice was quivering. I thought for sure I had ruined it.” But as fate would have it, her natural charisma shone through, and she landed the gig. Now, 41 seasons later, she’s still dazzling audiences alongside Pat Sajak.
I Prefer Jeans to Gowns
While Vanna’s famous for her stunning array of gowns on ‘Wheel of Fortune’ — over 6,500 and counting, without repeating a single one! — her off-screen style is much more laid-back. “After dressing up every night for work, the last thing I want to do is keep it up when I’m off the clock,” she says with a laugh. “My go-to wardrobe is jeans, T-shirts, tennis shoes, and flats. I’m all about comfort. I don’t even think I own a sequin gown outside of work!”
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I Hold a Guinness World Record
Did you know Vanna White holds a Guinness World Record? On May 24, 2013, she was officially named the “most frequent clapper” in history. The record estimates she’s applauded ‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestants over 3.4 million times during her tenure on the show. “It’s wild to think about,” she jokes. “And somehow, I don’t have calluses on my hands. I guess all those years of clapping have been good for my arm muscles! Honestly, though, it’s such an honor, and my kids are even more excited about it than I am.”
Real Estate Is My Passion Project
When Vanna’s not dazzling audiences on TV, she enjoys investing in real estate. “It’s something I do just for fun,” she explains. “I own a few vacation condos across the country, and at one point, I thought about flipping them. But then I decided to turn them into little retreats for myself instead. It’s a great way to unwind and relax when I’m not working.”
I’ve Found Love That Works
Vanna’s been in a happy, drama-free relationship with John Donaldson, a California-based construction company owner, for over a decade. “It’s a perfect match,” she says. “We both respect each other’s space and let each other be who we are. There’s no pressure, no stress, just a lot of mutual understanding and support. It’s really the ideal partnership.”
