A Friendship That’s Kept ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Spinning for 37 Years
Over the past 37 years, Pat Sajak and Vanna White have become more than just co-hosts on the iconic game show Wheel of Fortune. Their special connection, both on and off the screen, has turned the show into one of the longest-running and most beloved game shows in television history. Vanna, now 62, recently opened up to Closer Weekly, saying, “People at home see the chemistry between Pat and me. We are like brother and sister, and I think that’s what makes it work.”
Pat himself once described their bond as “like lightning in a bottle.” And Vanna added, “We’ve never had one argument.” Imagine that — working together for nearly four decades without a single disagreement. That’s not just impressive; it’s downright remarkable.
From Skepticism to Stardom: Vanna’s Journey to the Spotlight
When Vanna first auditioned for the role back in 1982, she was just 25 years old and ready to take on the world. Biographer Marianne Robin-Tani told Closer, “She decided to put everything she had into getting that job.” Vanna brought a unique charm to the table — an all-American, girl-next-door demeanor that immediately caught the eye of show creator Merv Griffin. However, Pat wasn’t entirely convinced at first. He reportedly said, “She seems like a nice, sweet girl. It’s too bad she’ll never get hired for anything.” Fast forward to today, and it’s safe to say Pat was way off base with that prediction.
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Through Thick and Thin: Supporting Each Other Through Life’s Challenges
Behind the scenes, Pat and Vanna have faced their fair share of personal struggles. In 1986, Pat’s first marriage to Sherrill Sajak ended after seven years, and tragically, Vanna’s then-fiancé, actor John Gibson, died in a plane crash. These hardships only strengthened their bond. Pat once said of their relationship, “Vanna’s been great to work with. We get along so well and are really best friends.” And Vanna echoed those sentiments, telling Closer, “We always have been.”
Rumors of Romance: The Truth Behind Pat and Vanna’s Friendship
As the years went by, Pat and Vanna both found love outside of their professional partnership. But that didn’t stop the rumors from flying. “Pat once joked when Vanna was dressed in lacy white [on the show] that they were going to get married, and for years they couldn’t dispel the rumors,” author Robin-Tani said. “People even sent them toasters and Crock-Pots!” It’s clear that while their bond is unshakable, it’s purely platonic.
A Family Legacy: Pat and Vanna’s Personal Lives
In 1989, Pat married his second wife, photographer Lesly Brown, and together they have two children, son Patrick, 28, and daughter Maggie, 24. Vanna, meanwhile, found love with restaurateur George Santo Pierto, with whom she shares two children, Nicolas, 24, and Giovanna, 22. Though their marriage ended in 2002, Vanna has since moved on and now lives in Los Angeles with her boyfriend, John Donaldson.
Despite their busy personal lives, Pat and Vanna remain committed to Wheel of Fortune. They continue to film the show together four days a month, a routine they
