Ryan Seacrest, the new host of “Wheel of Fortune,” recently shared a charming anecdote about his co-host, Vanna White, highlighting her thoughtful nature. Seacrest, 50, who stepped into Pat Sajak’s shoes in September, revealed that Vanna White, whose age is a frequent topic of fan curiosity, showed her generosity by gifting him a practical yet considerate present for the holidays. This has led many to wonder: How Old Is Vanna White?
“She’s so super generous and sweet and kind,” Seacrest told People, emphasizing White’s warm personality. He mentioned that Vanna noticed his habit of drinking strong black coffee and its potential effect on his teeth. In a thoughtful gesture, she surprised him with teeth whitening strips. “She even brought me — because I was saying, I drink very strong black coffee and my teeth, sometimes you can see it — she brought me white strips. She brought me white strips. She went to the store the next day. She brought me white strips.”
Vanna White, a beloved figure on television, was born on February 18, 1957, making her 67 years old as of late 2024 when this story unfolded. Her age is often a point of interest, but it’s her timeless charm and enduring presence on “Wheel of Fortune” that truly captivates audiences. This act of kindness towards Ryan Seacrest is just another example of the endearing qualities that have made her a household name for decades.
While Seacrest didn’t specify the brand of whitening strips Vanna gifted, he acknowledged the thoughtfulness behind it. The market offers numerous affordable options like Crest 3DWhitestrips and Lumineux Teeth Whitening strips, showcasing that it was the gesture, not the price, that mattered most. This small gift speaks volumes about Vanna White’s character, reinforcing her reputation as a kind and considerate co-star.
Seacrest openly admires Vanna, describing her as “an institution, an icon.” He further elaborated, “She’s amazing. She’s everything you think Vanna White will be when you meet her!” This high praise underscores Vanna’s established status in the entertainment industry and her positive personal attributes. Her age has not diminished her influence or appeal; instead, it seems to have solidified her iconic position.
Interestingly, Ryan and Vanna’s connection predates their “Wheel of Fortune” partnership. “We’ve known each other for a long time, so we’ve had a friendly relationship for two decades, which America may not know,” Seacrest revealed in an interview, highlighting a history of camaraderie between them.
Vanna White has also expressed enthusiasm about working with Seacrest. “And when they said Ryan’s going to be the next one, I said, ‘Great.’ Because he’s so talented, he’s so professional, he’s so good at what he does. I’m so thankful,” she stated, indicating a mutual respect and positive working dynamic. Her welcoming attitude towards a new co-host demonstrates her professionalism and adaptability, qualities admired by many, regardless of her age.
The continuation of Vanna White on “Wheel of Fortune” was welcomed news when she signed an extension in September 2023. Seacrest shared his excitement, telling “Today” host Willie Geist, “This is such great news. Vanna has been such a staple on that show and in our living rooms for so many years. I’ve been very excited to work with her but now that it’s official I can say congratulations, Vanna. I can’t wait.” This anticipation of working alongside Vanna further emphasizes her indispensable role on the show and her lasting appeal to both audiences and co-workers, irrespective of how old Vanna White is.
Ryan Seacrest officially took over hosting duties in September, marking the beginning of a new era for “Wheel of Fortune.” In his debut episode, he warmly acknowledged Vanna, saying, “Welcome to ‘Wheel of Fortune.’ I am your host, Ryan Seacrest. I still can’t believe my luck being here with you tonight to continue this legacy of this incredible show with all of you and, of course, my good friend Vanna White,” demonstrating the importance of her presence as the show moves forward.
Seacrest also reflected on his personal connection to the show, “I’ve been a fan of this show since I was a kid, watching it in Atlanta with my family, and I know how special it is that ‘Wheel’ has been in your living rooms for the past 40 years,” expressing his gratitude for being part of the “Wheel of Fortune” legacy alongside Vanna White, a constant presence throughout those decades.
Looking ahead to 2025, Seacrest shared his aspirations for the show, particularly his enthusiasm for giving away prize money. “I love giving away the money. I get so excited when people win the money, and they win a lot of money,” he stated, revealing his hopes to give away a million dollars in the coming year. As “Wheel of Fortune” continues with Ryan Seacrest and the ageless Vanna White, the show remains a beloved staple in television entertainment, proving that both new energy and seasoned charm have a place in its enduring success. Vanna White’s age is just a number when considering her lasting impact and vibrant career.
