When you think of "Wheel of Fortune," Pat Sajak and Vanna White usually come to mind. But did you know they weren't the original cohosts? Back in the day, Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford were the ones spinning the wheel and turning those letters. Let's dive into what happened to Susan Stafford, the show's first-ever letter-turner.
Who Is Susan Stafford?
Susan Stafford wasn't just any small-town girl. She grew up competing in beauty pageants, which gave her the confidence to chase her dreams in Hollywood. Her big break came in 1975 when she joined "Wheel of Fortune" as the cohost. For seven years, she stood there, turning letters and bringing her charm to the screen. But in 1982, Vanna White stepped in and took over the role. Vanna has been holding it down ever since, celebrating her 40th anniversary on the show in December 2022. That's dedication right there!
Why Did Susan Stafford Leave 'Wheel of Fortune'?
So, why did Susan Stafford leave the show? Was it drama? A better offer? Nope. It was something much more personal. In a candid interview with The Chicago Tribune in 1987, Susan opened up about her decision. "For seven years I stood there and turned letters," she admitted. "I had to ask myself if that was any way for a grown woman to live her life." Susan realized she wanted more from life than just turning letters on TV.
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After stepping away from the show, Susan pursued her passion for helping others. She became a pastoral care educator and even studied psychology. She left "Wheel of Fortune" with no regrets. "I've never felt nostalgic," she confessed. "I'm surprised they haven't changed the format. Actually, when I've watched the show, I have felt a sort of relief. Relief that I don't have to do that anymore." Talk about honesty!
What Is Susan Stafford Up To Now?
Decades after leaving "Wheel of Fortune," Susan has continued to make a difference. She's all about giving back to the community. Currently, she hosts a podcast called Out of the Box With Susan Stafford, where she chats with celebrity guests and health professionals about various topics. It's like a mix of entertainment and education, and Susan is thriving in it.
In 2010, Susan released a memoir titled Stop the Wheel, I Want to Get Off! It was a revealing look into her life and the reasons behind her decision to leave the show. "I was given a lot of attention as one of the highest-paid game show ladies," she wrote. "However, the recognition was only good for so long. I learned to be all things to all people to such an extent that I pushed the 'real me' down. It's like when a wastepaper basket is already full, and we keep stuffing the paper down instead of emptying and starting fresh. That's a good example of what I was doing. I needed a fresh start." Susan's story is one of self-discovery and embracing change.
