Vanna White, a household name in American television, is best known for her role as the beloved co-host of Wheel of Fortune. Over the years, Vanna has built a fortune not only from her television career but also through savvy business moves. As of 2025, her net worth stands at an impressive $85 million, much of which has been accumulated through her long-standing role on Wheel of Fortune and several other ventures.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Vanna Marie Rosich was born on February 18, 1957, in Conway, South Carolina. Raised in North Myrtle Beach, Vanna was the daughter of Joan and Miguel Angel Rosich. Her father, a Puerto Rican native, left the family when she was young, and Vanna was raised by her mother and stepfather, Herbert White, Jr., a real estate agent in the area. Vanna’s interest in the arts began at an early age, and she later moved to Atlanta to pursue her dream of becoming a star. She attended the Atlanta School of Fashion and Design and competed in the 1978 Miss Georgia USA pageant, where she finished as the fourth runner-up.
In 1979, Vanna moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. During this time, she worked various odd jobs, including waitressing, to support herself while seeking opportunities in Hollywood. In 1980, she appeared as a contestant on The Price Is Right and also began taking small roles in films like Gypsy Angels (1990) and Looker (1981). These early struggles were far from glamorous, but they set the foundation for what would become a television career that would span decades.
The Breakthrough: Wheel of Fortune
In 1982, Vanna White’s big break came when she was selected to replace Susan Stafford as the hostess of Wheel of Fortune. Over 200 models auditioned for the job, but Vanna stood out for her grace, charm, and beauty. She made her debut on December 13, 1982, and quickly became a fan favorite for her poised manner and signature move of revealing letters on the game show’s puzzle board.
For over 40 years, Vanna has been a constant on Wheel of Fortune, a show that has become synonymous with her name. Known for her elegant evening gowns, Vanna’s enduring presence on television has earned her a Guinness World Record for “Television’s Most Frequent Clapper,” having clapped more than 3.4 million times by 2013.
Salary and Earnings
Vanna White’s salary has been a topic of much discussion, especially following the retirement of Wheel of Fortune co-host Pat Sajak in 2023. As of 2025, Vanna’s salary for hosting the show is reported to be $10 million per year, which includes her duties on Wheel of Fortune as well as hosting Celebrity Wheel of Fortune. However, prior to this raise, Vanna’s salary had remained stagnant for 18 years. Between 2005 and 2023, she was making just $3 million annually despite her long-standing role as one of television’s most recognizable figures.
Vanna’s pay increase came after Pat Sajak’s retirement and amid contract renegotiations. She demanded a raise to at least 50% of Pat’s $15 million salary, which would have increased her earnings to $7.5 million. However, her team ultimately secured a deal that raised her salary to $10 million, reflecting the importance of her role on the show and the ongoing popularity of Wheel of Fortune.
Vanna White’s Salary Per Episode
Vanna’s earnings per episode are staggering given her work schedule. Wheel of Fortune tapes only 34 days per year, with Vanna working just a few hours each day. On taping days, she typically shoots multiple episodes in a single day, working just a fraction of the year while earning a massive salary. When broken down, this works out to around $294,117 per day, a remarkable sum for relatively little time spent on set.
Casino Licensing and Other Ventures
While Vanna’s hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune contribute significantly to her annual earnings, her largest source of income comes from licensing her image to casino slot machines. In 1996, Wheel of Fortune became the first entertainment property to license its brand for use in slot machines. Since then, the Wheel of Fortune slots have become one of the highest revenue-generating machines in casinos worldwide, with over 20,000 machines on casino floors globally.
In exchange for licensing their images, Vanna White and Pat Sajak each earn a reported $10 million annually from these slot machine royalties. The Wheel of Fortune slots generate over $2 billion in revenue each year, a testament to the show’s lasting popularity and Vanna’s significant role in its success.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Vanna White has been in a relationship with her fiancé, businessman and restaurateur John Donaldson, since 2012. The couple has no children together but shares a blended family. Vanna’s private life has always been relatively low-key, though she has spoken about her commitment to her family and her charity work.
Beyond her career in television and business, Vanna is a philanthropist. She supports various charitable causes, including those related to children’s health and education. Over the years, she has donated to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and other organizations, and she has used her platform to raise awareness for various charitable campaigns.
Legal Issues and Challenges
While Vanna White’s career has been largely scandal-free, she has faced a notable legal challenge related to a Playboy photo shoot. In 1982, before landing the Wheel of Fortune job, Vanna posed for a series of lingerie photos. These images were later sold to Playboy without her consent, leading her to file a lawsuit in 1987 against both the magazine and founder Hugh Hefner for $5.2 million. The case was dropped after the legal dispute, and Vanna later spoke openly about the incident, explaining it as a poor decision she made out of financial need.
Legacy and Ongoing Influence
As one of the most enduring figures in American television, Vanna White’s legacy is cemented. With over four decades as a television icon, she has become an integral part of American pop culture. Vanna’s grace, professionalism, and longevity on Wheel of Fortune have earned her admiration from both fans and colleagues in the industry.
Her net worth of $85 million is a testament to her successful career, diversified income sources, and business acumen. With a salary of $10 million per year, lucrative casino licensing deals, and ongoing charitable work, Vanna White remains one of the most influential and wealthy figures in the world of entertainment.
