Vanna White, alongside host Pat Sajak, has been the face of Wheel of Fortune since 1982. With Sajak now stepping aside, White is ready to shake some things up on the game show.
American Idol star Ryan Seacrest was announced as Sajak's replacement for the next season of Wheel of Fortune.
While Sajak is definitely moving on from the show, it is unclear right now if they'll be able to keep White on board. Technically, her deal is up at the conclusion of the 2023-2024 season.
An anonymous Sony TV source told Puck News that White hired an attorney last week.
There was a major pay gap between Pat Sajak and Vanna White
White has reportedly been held at the same $3 million salary for the past 18 years. In contrast, Sajak was making $15 million annually, according to Forbes, even though White joined the show only one year after him.
According to the source, White actually spends more time on set than Sajak and arrives earlier for prep before the show with hair, makeup, and outfits. While White's role on the show looks a little different from Sajak's, they've historically been marketed as a pair and equally crucial to the show.
Vanna White has hired a high profile lawyer
White has hired an attorney that has a proven track record with TV personalities, reports the Daily Wire. Her attorney, Bryan Freedman, has represented both Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon. Freedman has been named "most influential entertainment litigators in the country" by the Hollywood Reporter.
Freedman may “hit the pay discrepancy issue hard … as well as possible gender discrimination with respect to White’s salary," the Daily Wire reports.
How does Vanna White feel about Ryan Seacrest taking over?
White has been silent about Ryan Seacrest replacing Pat Sajak on the show. However, Sajak seems to be peacefully giving his blessing to the next host.
Sajak said in a tweet: "I’m looking forward to my final season starting this fall, and then handing over the car keys to Ryan Seacrest in September of 2024."
Seacrest said in a statement: “I’m truly humbled to be stepping into the footsteps of the legendary Pat Sajak. 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.”
With even Seacrest acknowledging White's key role on the show, she may have a case for that raise.
