Vanna White from Wheel of Fortune thought she would never get the job. Hailed as one of the longest-running game shows of all time, Wheel of Fortune debuted in 1975, placing the world puzzle competition alongside equally-historic game shows like Jeopardy! and The Price is Right. Initially hosted by Chuck Woolery (who was replaced by Jeopardy host Alex Trebek for one week), Wheel of Fortune went through numerous hosts and network changes in its early years.
Displaying a knack for selecting television talent, creator Merv Griffin locked in Pat Sajak and White to lead Wheel of Fortune after Woolery, and the duo has graced the show’s presence since 1983. White won the job after Griffin witnessed her effortlessly activating the puzzle board letters during her audition. One of the most recognized TV personalities of all time, White has appeared as herself in numerous TV shows. These include The A-Team, Full House, The King of Queens, and Fresh off the Boat. Now, White reveals some behind-the-scenes secrets decades later.
According to EOnline, White thought she would never book the Wheel of Fortune hosting job. Speaking on the success of the game show 38 years later, White admits she was “so nervous” during her audition and elaborated by stating, “…because I wanted the job so badly and I didn’t think I had any chance of getting it.” Furthermore, White admits the puzzle board has changed drastically over the years, but her potent chemistry with Sajak has endured.
Over four decades, White reaffirmed her value to Wheel of Fortune and demonstrated her ability to improvise during a memorable game show moment when she abruptly took over hosting duties while Sajak rushed backstage to re-watch a contestant’s tape. Last year, White impressed audience members when she stepped in as solo host of Wheel of Fortune while Sajak recovered from surgery. Overall, Wheel of Fortune shows no signs of slowing down, as Sajak and White are expected to host ABC’s upcoming Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
Deemed a loyal sidekick to Sajak, White has proven more than once she’s a silent pillar of strength. Despite personal tragedies in her life, including the death of her fiance and a miscarriage, White has remained a graceful, ethical, and insightful television presence. As it stands, White is expected to stay on the game show through the year 2022. No doubt Wheel of Fortune made one of its best decisions when it hired iconic Vanna White as a host.
Source: EOnline
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