Fans Rally Around Vanna White as Her 'Wheel of Fortune' Future Remains Uncertain
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Wheel of Fortune fans are devastated over longtime host Pat Sajak retiring from the show—and sadly, it appears that he might not be the only one leaving.
A source who works at Sony TV allegedly told Puck News that Sajak's co-host Vanna White is negotiating her contract, opening the possibility of her not returning to the show after 2024.
According to the source, some executives at Sony have suggested eliminating White's role on the show when a new host is picked. The idea is that if someone with the star power of Ryan Seacrest or a similarly-recognizable TV personality lands Sajak's gig, White isn't needed.
Additional sources also claimed to the publication that White hasn't received a raise in 18 years, only receiving bonuses during that time.
Upon hearing the news, fans rallied on social media in support of the iconic letter-turning presenter.
Phasing out Vanna White from the show would be so disrespectful. She is a beloved part of Wheel of Fortune. They should let her continue until she chooses to retire https://t.co/ccHN2yzSru
— ᴊᴇʟᴀ (@jelevision) June 23, 2023
Unless it is because they are making her the host of the show, they better mull how fast they will lose viewers if they get rid of Vanna White.
I'm not clicking so don't @ me didn't you read it. No. Obviously I didn't. https://t.co/TS7UTrB8vg— Imaginary Imogene Fan 💖💖💖 (@ChristnaHuffman) June 23, 2023
How dare they even think to get rid of Vanna. What the heck. https://t.co/nmE6yWHxdm
— Christina met Joseph again 💕 (@Chrissy89) June 23, 2023
Pat Sajak is retiring and their solution is to get rid of Vanna White? These execs get paid ridiculous money to be this stupid. https://t.co/Ndt0m7TKXz
— Chatterbox (@chatter_box_20) June 23, 2023
However, it appears that White is trying her hardest to stay on, as she's reportedly hired Bryan Freedman, a litigator who represented fired Jeopardy! host Mike Richards. According to Puck News, Freedman is "hitting the pay discrepancy issue hard with Sony, as well as possible gender discrimination with respect to White's salary."
White has been on Wheel of Fortune since October 1982, starting out as one of three substitutes for first co-host Susan Stafford. She previously said she had no desire to leave the show, telling People in December 2022, "We've been in everybody's homes for 40 years, so it would be weird having somebody else turn my letters."
Sajak's daughter Maggie Sajak temporarily filled White's shoes on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune in May.
Next: What Pat Sajak's 'Wheel of Fortune' Retirement Means for Vanna White
