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Vanna Marie White (née Rosich)

Vanna White is an American television personality, model, and actress best known as the co-host of Wheel of Fortune. She has hosted the show since 1982 — making her one of the longest-serving co-hosts in television history. Beyond Wheel of Fortune, White is a businesswoman and holds the official Guinness World Record as “Television’s Most Frequent Clapper”. Recognized in 1992.

Overview

Vanna Marie White (née Rosich)'s Profile

Vanna White is an American television personality and actress best known for her decades-long role on the popular game show Wheel of Fortune. She was born on February 18, 1957, in North Myrtle Beach and was raised by her mother and stepfather after her parents divorced. White later moved to Atlanta to pursue modeling and acting before relocating to Los Angeles to build a career in entertainment. 

White joined Wheel of Fortune in 1982 after being selected from hundreds of applicants. She has been with the show since then, becoming one of the most recognizable figures in American television. She co-hosted over 8,000 episodes of Wheel of Fortune alongside Pat Sajak before his retirement in June 2024, and has continued to co-host with new host Ryan Seacrest since September 2024. She also co-hosts Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC with Seacrest since 2021. 

Beyond TV, White is a successful businessman; she launched Vanna’s Choice, a branded yarn line through Lion Brand Yarns. She is also a philanthropist and has donated over $1.8 million to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through the proceeds of the line. In January 2026, she quietly married her longtime partner, John Donaldson, in a small private ceremony.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Vanna Marie White (née Rosich)
  • Gender: Female
  • Date of Birth: 1957-02-18
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity: White
  • Sexual Orientation: Straight
  • Marital Status: Married
  • Career Start: 1982
  • Current Network:
  • Years Active
  • Estimated Salary: $10,000,000

2
TV Shows

0
Current Hosts

20
Years Active

50
Awards Won

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

The iconic game show, Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

  • Marriage John Donaldson from 2026 to ( Founder of JDC Construction and Development Group, a California-based construction and development firm. They met through mutual friends in 2012.)
  • Marriage George Santo Pietro from 1990 to 2002 (A restaurateur and owner of the celebrity hot spot Santopietro's in Los Angeles.)
  • Engagement Michael Kaye from 2004 to 2006 (A California businessman)
  • Engagement John Gibson from 1981 to 1986 (An American actor, model, and dancer. He died in a plane crash in 1986.)
  • Nicholas "Nikko" Santo Pietro, a biological child with George Santo Pietro, born in 1994
  • Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro, a biological child with George Santo Pietro, born in 1997

Education

Educational background and qualifications

  • Atlanta School of Fashion and Design, Atlanta, Georgia — Studied fashion design. Did not complete a degree; relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a modeling and acting career.

Net Worth & Income

Income sources, net worth, and properties.

  • Primary income from her Wheel of Fortune contract — estimated at $10 million per year following her 2023 renegotiation.
  • Owns Vanna's Choice, her branded yarn line sold through Lion Brand Yarns.
  • Additional income from licensing fees for her likeness on Wheel of Fortune-branded slot machines and from Celebrity Wheel of Fortune episode fees on ABC, reported at $100,000 per episode.

Awards

Awards & recognition

  • Guinness World Record — World's Most Frequent Clapper, Wheel of Fortune (1992)
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame — Star in the Television category (2006)