Is Pat Sajak actually jealous of Vanna White’s huge net worth?
Is it possible that Vanna White has been undervalued for years? Let’s dive into the drama!
When it comes to TV salaries, the digits can be dizzying. Vanna White, the celebrated letter-turner from Wheel of Fortune, has been earning a cool three million a year. Sounds like a hefty paycheck, right?
But let’s stack that against her co-host, Pat Sajak, who’s been raking in a whopping fifteen million annually. And here’s where it gets spicy: Vanna hasn’t seen a pay raise since her 2005 contract negotiation. That’s almost two decades!
The Negotiation Carousel
Following Pat’s announcement to retire, whispers started about Vanna’s salary. Initial reports hinted at her demanding at least 50% of Pat’s salary to return for the 42nd season, especially with Ryan Seacrest set to take the spotlight. That would skyrocket Vanna’s paycheck to 7.5 million a year.
But hold the phone! Team Vanna soon cleared the air, emphasizing they weren’t asking for half— they were gunning for an equal or even higher salary. With rumors and truths swirling, by September 2023, Vanna inked a two-year extension with the game show, which insiders say brought her a “substantial” pay boost.
If you’re curious about the behind-the-scenes, Vanna and Pat have had a cushy work routine. Just imagine: four days a month, six tapings a day. That’s only 48 working days in a year! Breaking it down, Vanna was pulling in $62,500 every workday, while Pat enjoyed a hefty $312,500. But that’s not even the whole story…
Jackpot Beyond the Show
You’d think Wheel of Fortune was Vanna’s golden goose, but there’s more. Vanna’s image on casino slot machines out-earns her show salary. These Wheel of Fortune slots began making casino appearances in 1996 and swiftly became a jackpot. Today, they generate over two billion worldwide annually!
Both Vanna and Pat cash in, earning at least ten million a year from these machines.
Now, let’s not forget the on-screen moments that raised some eyebrows. Like that time Pat snapped at Vanna while she was mid-action. Or when he mockingly quizzed her while she waited for a contestant’s response. These tidbits gave the fans a little more to talk about than just the puzzles.
June 2023 brought a significant change. After four decades, Pat announced his Wheel of Fortune retirement, passing the baton to Ryan Seacrest. Vanna, with her new contract, will keep turning letters through the 2025-2026 season. And the future? Pat’s daughter, Maggie Sajak, is now the show’s social media correspondent and is expected to stay until 2025.
Vanna’s Legacy
With an impressive net worth of $85 million, Vanna White isn’t just a pretty face on a game show. She’s a force to be reckoned with, even surpassing her co-host, Pat Sajak, in net worth by ten million. This advantage comes from savvy real estate investments, particularly with her ex-husband, George Santo Pietro.
As we wrap up this tale of fortune and fame, one can’t help but wonder: In an industry where salary debates often highlight gender disparities, will Vanna’s story set a precedent for other TV personalities? And as the wheel continues to spin, who will be the next to step into the spotlight?
