Vanna White, the famous co-host of the TV game show Wheel of Fortune, has been in the spotlight recently. Here’s a breakdown of what’s been happening.
Vanna’s Absence Due to COVID-19
You might have noticed that Vanna White was missing from the show during the annual “Teachers Week.” Well, it turns out she had been diagnosed with COVID-19. Sadly, this meant she couldn’t work on the show for a while. The episodes had to go on as planned, and her absence left fans wondering about her future with the show.
Long-Standing Career
Vanna White has been a part of Wheel of Fortune since way back in 1982. Before her TV fame, she even competed in the Miss Georgia USA pageant in 1978. So, she’s been a familiar face in American homes for a long time.
Contract Negotiations
Rumors began swirling about Vanna’s future on the show when her absence coincided with contract negotiations. It was reported that she hadn’t received a raise in a whopping 18 years! To help her in this important matter, Vanna White enlisted the help of a well-known attorney named Bryan Freedman.
The Salary Story
The money talk got people talking. Puck News reported that Vanna had been earning $3 million annually since 2005. On the other hand, a 2016 Forbes report claimed that her co-host, Pat Sajak, was raking in a substantial $15 million per year.
Vanna’s Contract Renewal
The big news is that Vanna White is staying put. The producers of Wheel of Fortune have extended her contract, ensuring she’ll be with the show until at least the 2025-2026 season. So, fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Vanna will continue to reveal those letters on the puzzle board.
What About That Raise?
As for the salary negotiations, it was quite a story. Vanna had joined the show way back in 1982, and when it came to negotiating her salary for the syndicated show, she aimed high. She wanted to make at least as much as her co-host, Pat Sajak. According to some sources, her lawyer, Bryan Freedman, even asked for 50% of Pat’s salary!
The Outcome
In the end, a compromise was reached. While Pat Sajak was reportedly making around $400,000 per episode, Vanna White settled for $100,000 per episode. That’s certainly a significant bump from her previous contract, but the big question remains: Was it a fair deal for her?
Looking to the Future
Vanna White’s career on Wheel of Fortune has spanned over four decades, and her contributions to the show are undeniable. As the show evolves and changes, so do the discussions about salaries and contracts. What do you think? Was Vanna’s raise justified? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!
