If there are any tricky puzzles to his new Wheel of Fortune gig, host Ryan Seacrest is solving them like the pro he is. That's the word from longtime co-host Vanna White , who has starred on the show for 42 years and has been by Seacrest's side for one month now. On Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, Seacrest made his Wheel hosting debut after the June 2024 retirement of Pat Sajak .
“Ryan just stepped right in. He did so much rehearsing and really cares about the show. Hopefully, that’s what America sees,” White tells Parade . “It’s going well; it really is. Ryan is a professional. We all know that he’s well-liked, he’s a kind person, he’s down-to-earth, and he’s hard-working. He’s doing a good job.”
Related: Ryan Seacrest Shares Behind-the-Scenes Video of His First Day at Wheel of Fortune
Seacrest, 49, and White, 67, seem to have some parallels in personalities as evidenced by their on-air personas and careers—Seacrest encouraging talents as they transform into superstars over two decades hosting American Idol and White cheering on Wheel contestants to win life-changing cash and prizes. White tells Parade the positive premise was a big part of why she decided to stay on with the show.
“Watching a person win a million dollars, right? That’s happened a few times,” she says. “But there is one story I remember now. It was after the bonus round, and the guy won a brand-new car. And he turned to Pat and said, ‘I don't have to take the bus anymore.’ That kind of says it all about how we change people's lives.
“I love coming to work. I love watching people win. I love changing people's lives. There's a lot of stuff on TV that is so dramatic, and this is a half-hour of family fun and escape from so much. It's such a positive family show. I love being part of that. So I’m not ready to leave,” she says.
Related: Vanna White Opens Up About Her 40-Year Gig: 'I'm Not Playing a Character. I Am Who I Am'
Shortly before filming his last season, Sajak announced his retirement in June 2023. Just weeks later, the news broke that Seacrest would take the wheel into the future. White says she met Seacrest 20 years ago and has had friendly exchanges over the years. Since he was tabbed for the show, they’ve strengthened their friendship, having dinner several times and making family introductions. They also work together well in the studio, White adds, and they’ve traveled to places including Nashville, Salt Lake City and Hawaii while filming the current season.
Another aspect White appreciates about Seacrest? He respects Sajak’s legacy on the show while bringing his own energy into the new era.
“It was obviously very different after working with someone for 41 years. But I don’t compare the two,” she says. “I just think of it as a new era, because we also have a new set and a new puzzle board. But I’m so happy that they hired Ryan because he does not want to replace Pat. He said, ‘I’m here to just do a good job.’”
Next, See How Fans Reacted to Ryan Seacrest's Wheel of Fortune Debut
Local News
