Given how long Sajak and White have worked together, many viewers have wondered over the years whether or not the pair was ever romantically involved. It’s a question that White finally answered. Here’s a brief history of the hosts’ time on the show and their unique relationship.
Joining ‘Wheel of Fortune’
Pat Sajak joined Wheel of Fortune in December of 1981. A year later, Vanna White was also made part of the cast. She made it to the final round of casting over more than 200 other women who hoped to become the future letter flipper. Ultimately, White won out over Summer Bartholomew and Vicki McCarty, the other top choices for the role of hostess.
After testing each of the women on real episodes of the show, the producer decided that White was the one who activated the letters best of all the candidates. She quickly became very popular among viewers, particularly young adults. Many of her fans were interested in her dazzling show wardrobe. The phenomenon, known as “Vannamania,” swept through the United States, earning the new star numerous additional jobs outside of Wheel of Fortune.
Nearly 40 years together
For the next 40 years, White and Sajak would work intimately together as host and hostess of Wheel of Fortune. While they generally stuck to the same roles throughout this time, there were a few instances where they would swap, most notably in November 1996 when Sajak had laryngitis.
Despite their many years together, in 2020 Sajak admitted that he initially didn’t want White to be cast as the hostess. He said, “Not that she wasn’t lovely and wonderful and personable and all that. But she was the most nervous, by far, of any of them.”
White obviously proved him wrong and has done a wonderful job. It helped that the pair seems to have such incredible chemistry together. It’s this very chemistry which has caused many fans to question just what kind of relationship White and Sajak had outside of filming.
Friends or more?
It is well known that White and Sajak get along well – extremely well, in fact. According to White herself, they rarely disagree on anything except whether ketchup should be put on a hot dog. Yet despite their closeness, White has emphasized that they really are just best friends and there is nothing romantic going on between them. The closest the two have come to being involved was when they played a prank on their audience.
“Years and years ago, we did an April Fool’s joke,” White recalled. “I don’t know that we said we were married, but we said something about being together, and we received toasters…” Sajak added later that it took years for people to stop sending the “married couple” Crockpots.
So although the renowned Wheel of Fortune stars have been together, in a work sense, for longer than most couples, they are not, and have never been, in a romantic relationship.
Nearly 20 years without a raise?
Soon after Sajak announced his retirement, fans were stunned to learn that Vanna White has not gotten a pay raise in 18 years. This surprising revelation comes from Puck reporter Matthew Belloni, who says that White, 66, has hired an aggressive lawyer to negotiate a raise as her current deal concludes at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Puck’s report states that White currently earns $3 million annually, while Sajak earns five times more than that. While some argue that Sajak is the host while White is a co-host responsible only for revealing letters on the board, Puck asserts that White engages in significantly more publicity for the show than Sajak. Sony, the show’s production company, declined to comment on Puck’s findings.
Whoopi Goldberg from The View expressed interest in taking over Sajak’s role, and several other notable names, including Ryan Seacrest and Sajak’s daughter Maggie, were mentioned as potential candidates.
Seacrest was named the new host of ‘Wheel’
The New York Times and other media outlets reported on June 27 that Ryan Seacrest will take over as the host of Wheel of Fortune. The news comes just two weeks after Sajak’s announcement. Seacrest, 48, is a talk show veteran himself, having hosted and produced many other programs including American Idol and Live with Kelly and Ryan.
“I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak,” Seacrest said in a statement. “I can say, along with the rest of America, that it’s been a privilege and pure joy to watch Pat and Vanna on our television screens for an unprecedented 40 years, making us smile every night and feel right at home with them.”
Seacrest will also act as a consulting producer on the show.
Justin Bieber breaks silence with heartbreaking message weeks after his reps denied ‘harmful’ allegations
Justin Bieber has finally spoken out after weeks of speculation about his well-being, sharing a deeply personal and emotional message that has left fans both concerned and sympathetic.
The 31-year-old pop icon, who skyrocketed to fame as a teenager, admitted in an Instagram post that despite his success, he often feels unworthy of the praise he receives. His candid message has sparked a wave of reactions, particularly as it follows recent rumors and allegations about his mental and physical health.
Justin Bieber Opens Up About His Inner Struggles
Bieber’s message took a deeply introspective turn as he revealed feelings of self-doubt and insecurity.
“People told me my whole life, ‘Wow, Justin, you deserve that,’” he wrote. “And I personally have always felt unworthy, like I was a fraud, like when people told me I deserve something. It made me feel sneaky like, damn if they only knew my thoughts. How judgmental I am, how selfish I really am… They wouldn’t be saying this.”
He continued, “I say all this to say, if you feel sneaky, welcome to the club. I definitely feel unequipped and unqualified most days.”
This rare admission from the singer has raised eyebrows, especially considering the recent controversy surrounding his well-being.
Fans Express Concern Over Bieber’s Health
Bieber’s message comes amid growing speculation about his mental and physical state. In recent months, fans have noted that he has appeared disheveled in public, and a viral video of him smoking what appeared to be a bong only added fuel to the fire.
Many fans took to social media to express their worries.
“Is Justin okay? This is so unlike him,” one fan wrote.
“I’m genuinely concerned for Justin after seeing this,” another added.
Video : I’M FRUSTRATED” Justin Bieber BREAK SILENCE With HEARTBREAKING Message AMID Fans Concerns
Even though Bieber recently celebrated his 31st birthday with his wife, Hailey Bieber, and their seven-month-old son, Jack Blues, many are still questioning his overall well-being.
Justin Bieber’s Reps Shut Down Drug Rumors
Following the surge of speculation, Bieber’s representatives released a statement denying the rumors of drug use and mental decline.
“The recurring narrative that Justin is using hard drugs is absolutely not true,” a representative told TMZ. “Justin is currently in one of the best places in his life. He has had a very transformative year and ended several close friendships and business relationships that no longer served him.”
The rep also condemned the negative speculation surrounding the singer’s health, calling it “exhausting and pitiful” and adding that some people are “committed to keeping negative, salacious, harmful narratives alive.”
According to the statement, Bieber is focusing on fatherhood and music, actively taking care of his newborn son while working on new projects.
Hailey Bieber Stands by Her Husband
Bieber’s wife, Hailey Bieber, has also been at the center of fan discussions. Some have speculated about the state of their marriage, but recent public appearances and social media posts suggest the couple remains strong.
A source told Us Weekly that Hailey has been a pillar of support for her husband.
“It can be hard for Hailey, but she’s always there for him and is understanding,” the insider said.
Another source emphasized that Bieber is actually “happier than he’s been in a long time” and isn’t worried about public speculation.
“There’s no breakdown,” the source added. “He just really doesn’t care what people think.”
Justin Bieber’s Ongoing Struggles with Fame
Bieber’s emotional Instagram post hints at imposter syndrome, a common issue among celebrities who rise to fame at a young age.
Having been discovered at just 15 years old, Bieber quickly became one of the world’s best-selling artists, with over 150 million records sold. Despite his success, he has openly spoken about the challenges that came with it.
In 2020, Bieber revealed his past struggles with addiction, admitting that he first started using marijuana at age 12 or 13 before experimenting with harder substances.
In a 2019 interview with Vogue, Bieber confessed, “I’ve struggled with the feeling that people are using me or aren’t really there for me.”
His latest message echoes these long-standing struggles, showing that fame has taken an emotional toll on him.
Justin Bieber’s Family Offers Support
Amid the controversy, Bieber’s family has stepped in to show their love and support.
Video : Justin Bieber admits he’s ‘drowning’ and feels ‘unsafe’
On March 14, Bieber’s father, Jeremy Bieber, posted a heartwarming photo of Justin spending time with his siblings. In the picture, the singer is lounging on a couch with his sisters Bay (6) and Jazmyn (16), his brother Jaxon (15), and his stepsister Allie (17).
Jeremy captioned the post, “My crew,” emphasizing their tight-knit bond.
Bieber has always been vocal about his love for his family, and this latest moment reflects his journey toward self-acceptance and healing.
What’s Next for Justin Bieber?
Despite the public concern and ongoing rumors, Bieber is reportedly in a good place and focusing on his family, music, and personal growth.
His message, though emotional, serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars battle self-doubt and insecurities.
While it’s clear that Bieber is navigating deep personal reflections, his support system—including Hailey, his family, and his team—remains strong. As he continues to embrace fatherhood and work on new music, fans can only hope that this new chapter will bring him peace, happiness, and renewed confidence.
For now, Justin Bieber’s honesty reminds us all that behind the fame and fortune, he’s just a human being, trying to find his way—just like the rest of us.
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