Given how long Sajak and White have worked together, many viewers have wondered over the years whether or not the pair was ever romantically involved. It’s a question that White finally answered. Here’s a brief history of the hosts’ time on the show and their unique relationship.
Joining ‘Wheel of Fortune’
Pat Sajak joined Wheel of Fortune in December of 1981. A year later, Vanna White was also made part of the cast. She made it to the final round of casting over more than 200 other women who hoped to become the future letter flipper. Ultimately, White won out over Summer Bartholomew and Vicki McCarty, the other top choices for the role of hostess.
After testing each of the women on real episodes of the show, the producer decided that White was the one who activated the letters best of all the candidates. She quickly became very popular among viewers, particularly young adults. Many of her fans were interested in her dazzling show wardrobe. The phenomenon, known as “Vannamania,” swept through the United States, earning the new star numerous additional jobs outside of Wheel of Fortune.
Nearly 40 years together
For the next 40 years, White and Sajak would work intimately together as host and hostess of Wheel of Fortune. While they generally stuck to the same roles throughout this time, there were a few instances where they would swap, most notably in November 1996 when Sajak had laryngitis.
Despite their many years together, in 2020 Sajak admitted that he initially didn’t want White to be cast as the hostess. He said, “Not that she wasn’t lovely and wonderful and personable and all that. But she was the most nervous, by far, of any of them.”
White obviously proved him wrong and has done a wonderful job. It helped that the pair seems to have such incredible chemistry together. It’s this very chemistry which has caused many fans to question just what kind of relationship White and Sajak had outside of filming.
Friends or more?
It is well known that White and Sajak get along well – extremely well, in fact. According to White herself, they rarely disagree on anything except whether ketchup should be put on a hot dog. Yet despite their closeness, White has emphasized that they really are just best friends and there is nothing romantic going on between them. The closest the two have come to being involved was when they played a prank on their audience.
“Years and years ago, we did an April Fool’s joke,” White recalled. “I don’t know that we said we were married, but we said something about being together, and we received toasters…” Sajak added later that it took years for people to stop sending the “married couple” Crockpots.
So although the renowned Wheel of Fortune stars have been together, in a work sense, for longer than most couples, they are not, and have never been, in a romantic relationship.
Nearly 20 years without a raise?
Soon after Sajak announced his retirement, fans were stunned to learn that Vanna White has not gotten a pay raise in 18 years. This surprising revelation comes from Puck reporter Matthew Belloni, who says that White, 66, has hired an aggressive lawyer to negotiate a raise as her current deal concludes at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Puck’s report states that White currently earns $3 million annually, while Sajak earns five times more than that. While some argue that Sajak is the host while White is a co-host responsible only for revealing letters on the board, Puck asserts that White engages in significantly more publicity for the show than Sajak. Sony, the show’s production company, declined to comment on Puck’s findings.
Whoopi Goldberg from The View expressed interest in taking over Sajak’s role, and several other notable names, including Ryan Seacrest and Sajak’s daughter Maggie, were mentioned as potential candidates.
Seacrest was named the new host of ‘Wheel’
The New York Times and other media outlets reported on June 27 that Ryan Seacrest will take over as the host of Wheel of Fortune. The news comes just two weeks after Sajak’s announcement. Seacrest, 48, is a talk show veteran himself, having hosted and produced many other programs including American Idol and Live with Kelly and Ryan.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
Seacrest will also act as a consulting producer on the show.
MELISSA MCCARTHY’S STUNNING METALLIC DRESS POST-WEIGHT LOSS SPARKS CONTROVERSY – SEE WHY
At a recent event in the entertainment industry, Melissa McCarthy wowed everyone with her outfit, causing a mix of praise and criticism on social media. The 53-year-old actress, who has been open about her journey with self-acceptance and fashion, was a hot topic online.
At the SAG Awards, McCarthy wore a stunning silver metallic dress that hugged her figure. The dress had ruched puffed sleeves and she paired it with silver accessories, including rings, earrings, and a matching purse.
Her new look, especially after her recent weight loss, received mixed reactions. Some people were concerned, saying she didn’t look like herself, while others criticized the dress’s design.
Many people had strong opinions about Melissa McCarthy’s recent outfit at the SAG Awards. Some critics were not impressed with her silver metallic dress, especially the voluminous sleeves. One person said, “I love Melissa, but the dress with those big sleeves could have been better.” Another commented, “She looks great, but that dress is a NOOOOO. It’s not flattering.”
However, McCarthy also received a lot of positive feedback from her fans. Supporters praised her look with comments like, “You looked AMAZING!!!!!!,” “Wow, you looked gorgeous @melissamccarthy ,” and “Not a better, kinder celebrity out there. She’s great and is wearing that dress beautifully!!!”
McCarthy’s journey with fashion has been challenging. Back in 2014, she shared that she faced rejection from designers when she was looking for a dress for the Oscars. “Two Oscars ago, I couldn’t find anybody to do a dress for me. I asked five or six high-level designers, and they all said no,” she recalled.
Despite mixed reactions to her recent outfit, Melissa McCarthy remains confident and self-accepting. She credits much of her strength to her supportive husband, Ben Falcone.
McCarthy has often spoken about how Falcone’s constant love, kindness, and humor have been crucial in her journey to self-acceptance. She values his role in her life deeply, calling him “the weirdest human” she knows.
In reflecting on her journey, McCarthy has emphasized the importance of love and self-approval. She believes that it’s okay for people to have different opinions and that loving others only adds more love to the world.
Her recent appearance and the resulting discussions highlight the challenges celebrities face with fashion and public perception. While opinions on her dress were mixed, McCarthy’s message of resilience, love, and kindness continues to inspire many.
Melissa McCarthy, known for her vibrant personality and comedic talent, recently wowed fans with her stunning look. At 53, she posted photos on Instagram showcasing her incredible physique in a tight, sparkly jumpsuit.
In the photos, Melissa and her husband, Ben Falcone, are dressed to impress for a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” viewing party. Ben looked stylish in a bedazzled black shirt and a jacket with white checkered lining, while Melissa shone in her glitzy one-piece, complemented by a sequin coat and sparkling jewels.
Fans were quick to praise Melissa’s look, with comments like “Wow, you look amazing!” and “You got skinny! I’m trying too!” Many appreciated her timeless beauty and the effort she put into her transformation, noting that she looked fantastic no matter her weight.
Melissa’s journey in Hollywood has had its challenges. Early in her career, she was told she would never succeed unless she lost weight—a comment that hurt her deeply. Despite the criticism, Melissa remained determined, confident in her talent, and vowed to prove her doubters wrong, saying, “I’ll show you!”
Melissa McCarthy’s recent Instagram photos have impressed fans with her amazing transformation. At 53, she looked stunning in a tight, sparkly jumpsuit, posing with her husband, Ben Falcone, at a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” viewing party.
While the positive feedback poured in, highlighting her impressive figure and style, Melissa’s journey hasn’t always been easy. Early in her career, critic Rex Reed harshly criticized her appearance and comedic style, calling her “tractor-sized” and a “gimmick comedian.”
Despite the hurtful comments, Melissa responded with grace, focusing on the positive aspects of her life. She expressed sadness not for herself, but for the critic’s negativity, saying, “I felt really bad for someone who is swimming in so much hate. I’m in such a happy spot.”
Melissa has also emphasized being a positive role model for her daughters, Vivian and Georgette, teaching them to value health, happiness, and self-acceptance. She and Ben promote a balanced lifestyle, enjoying life’s small indulgences while leading by example.
Her latest Instagram post reflects her inner strength and resilience, showing that success and happiness come from one’s character and talent, not just appearance. Melissa’s journey from facing harsh criticism to becoming a symbol of body positivity is inspiring, proving that true beauty comes from within.
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