Vanna White has been gracing television screens across America for decades.
Simply say “Vanna,” and everyone will know who you’re talking about.
Her presence on the show made her famous, and she’s enjoyed a nice life ever since.
But there’sa lot you probably don’t know about Vanna White.
So, how did White come to be instantly recognizable?
What kind of life did she lead before she debuted onWheel of Fortune?
Here’s a look at the stunning transformation of Vanna White.
Whitehas Latin roots, as her father was born in Cuba and her grandparents are from Spain.
It wasn’t until White was 12 years old that she learned Herbert was not her biological father.
However, it doesn’t seem to have made any difference to White.
She later said onLarry King Live,“My stepfather, Herbert, who is really my father.
He’s raised me from the time I was three.”
After attending college in Atlanta, White made the decision to leave the East Coast and head to Hollywood.
As is true of most young college graduates, her finances were low.
“So, I did some lingerie shots.”
During the pageant, the host shared that her hobbies included playing the piano and the guitar.
“And I enjoy meeting people,” she added.
What could have been!
“It was very tough,” White said in an interview onLarry King Live.
“I went back home.
I took care of the situation and then I came back out here, rearing to go.”
White was very close with her mother, and she has always remembered her through all of her successes.
“My mom Joan was the best mother ever!
I love you with all my heart!
You will always be with me in spirit,” White wrote in an Instagramposton Mother’s Day 2015.
In 1980, White participated onThe Price Is Right.
She was 23 years old at the time and brand new to Los Angeles, having just moved there.
Unfortunately, White’s time onThe Price Is Rightwasn’t very successful.
The most memorable part of her appearance on the game show was being called out by Bob Barker.
However, White had a different version of the story to tell.
“I was looking at my friend to get an answer from her!”
“It just looked like I was looking in the monitor.”
White auditioned with 200 other women to fill the spot left vacant by the previous co-host, Susan Stafford.
Merv Griffin, the show’s creator, was the one to ultimately decide onWhite as the new co-host.
Pat Sajak actually didn’t recommend White and has since said that he told Griffin not to select her.
Griffin didn’t listen to Sajak, and the rest, as they say, is history.
I thought:Wow, I guess I’ve madeit."
She had been engaged toTheYoung and the Restlessactor and Chippendales dancerJohn Gibson.
White was, of course, devastated by the news.
“I was at the pinnacle of Vanna-mania when this tragically happened,” White toldCloser Weekly.
“I didn’t feel like I was alone.”
However, White’s book release was overshadowed by bigger news.
When White had first arrived in Los Angeles, she had taken risque lingerie photos to pay her rent.
“He’s the one who put me on the cover of the magazine.
I didn’t do it forPlayboy,” White toldFox News.
Soon enough, the American public forgave and forgot White’s scandalous photographs.
It was a lovely way to share the news, but unfortunately, her announcement was premature.
She added, “Life is not perfect; just give a shot to make the best of it.
Be strong, be kind to people, and be happy.”
Unfortunately, White and Pietro would later divorce.
It is an understandable thing to be proud of, considering that not everyone inentertainmentis given the honor.
White received her star in April 2006, after more than 20 years of appearing onWheel of Fortune.
Dad, we did it!"
Years later onWheel of Fortune,White saw her hairdresser crocheting on set.
“Whenever I have downtime on the set, I crochet.
White donates half of her yarn’s proceeds.
By 2016, she’ddonatedmore than $1,700,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Vanna White set this world record
In 2013, Vanna White received an immense honor.
She officially became the world’s most frequent clapper.
This number was reached by averaging 606 claps per episode.
The game show co-host spends every episode decked out in a fabulous dress with high heels.
It seems she selects her favorites due to their practicality.
“I like wearing the short ones best,” White toldABC News.
“Just because I don’t trip.”
