Vanna White Steps in as 'Wheel of Fortune' Host After Pat Sajak Undergoes Emergency Surgery
Vanna White Goes From Co-Host to Host While Sajak Recovers From Surgery
Vanna White, who has co-hosted Wheel of Fortune since 1982, will temporarily step in as host while Pat Sajak recovers from emergency surgery for a blocked intestine. Sajak will be out for the next two weeks. The show is currently filming its "Disney Week" so none other than Mickey Mouse will be taking over White's usual role turning letters. According to the show's Twitter, it looks like Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto will all be joining in on the fun.
"Disney Week" is scheduled to air starting December 9th.
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'Wheel of Fortune' Pat Sajak Undergoes Emergency Surgery, Vanna White Steps In!
The news first broke on Friday, November 8 when the show's official Twitter account posted the following message: "Our taping on Thursday was canceled because host Pat Sajak underwent successful emergency surgery to correct a blocked intestine. He is resting comfortably and looking forward to getting back to work. Taping resumed today as scheduled and Vanna White has stepped in as host."
The same post also featured an image of the show's classic board with the note, "Get Well Soon Pat!"
Sajak has been with the show since 1981, almost 38 years, with White joining him as "letter-turner" about a year later. The two have been with the show ever since.
Vanna White started her public career back in 1978 when she was a contestant in the Miss Georgia pageant. On June 20, 1980, she was among The Price is Right's first contestants and while she did not make it onstage, the clip of her running to Contestant's Row was shown as part of The Price is Right 25th Anniversary Special and later featured in Game Show Moments Gone Bananas. After Wheel of Fortune host Susan Stafford left the show in October 1982, White was one of three substitutes and then on December 13th of that same year took over full time.
Wheel of Fortune tapes on Stage 11 at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California.
