“Wheel Of Fortune” Might Eliminate Vanna White’s Role
I know we’re all still in shock. The end of an era! No more daily dose of sassy snark. Alas, it’s time we accept our new reality: that old bitch Pat Sajak is leaving Wheel of Fortune. And today, TVLine reports that Vanna White could be next. In fact, Sony TV might eliminate the role of eye candy letter-toucher entirely!
66-year-old Vanna has been on Wheel of Fortune since 1982. Now, after over 40 years of flippin’ letters and chattin’ with Pat, her job may be in Jeopardy! (HA). Some execs at Sony TV have reportedly suggested “eliminating” her co-host role. Or have they? Reports are all over the place. via TV Line:
A Sony rep declined to comment, but a source close to the game show maintains to TVLine that there “is no plan to eliminate Vanna’s role,” adding, “Sony is in active discussions to renew Vanna’s deal beyond her current contract.”
Another insider told US Weekly that the story isn’t true, and Vanna’s just negotiating her contract:
“There’s no truth to the rumors that with Pat’s retirement, Wheel of Fortune plans on eliminating Vanna in any way, shape or form,” a source close to production explained on Friday, June 23. “They’re currently in negotiations with Vanna.”
Vanna currently makes around $3 million per year, but that’s believed to be five times less than 76-year-old Pat’s salary. Going forward, she’s retained big-time entertainment litigator Bryan Freedman to “sort out the pay discrepancy.” Bryan’s other clients have included slimy ol’ Jeopardy! host/producer Mike Richards, slimy ol’ Tucker Carlson, Don Lemon, Megan Kelly, and Gabrielle Union.
Pat announced his retirement a week and a half ago. His successor hasn’t officially been announced, but Ryan Seacrest’s name has been bandied about (SNOOOORE). Whoopi Goldberg and Andy Cohen have also been vocal about their interest in the job. I’d love Whoopi to host! I can see it now… the contestant asks for a vowel, and Whoopi replies with one of her signature farts.
Pic: YouTube