Vanna White has been a staple on Wheel of Fortune since her debut on December 13, 1982.

That means, as of February 2026, she's marked over 43 years turning letters and dazzling audiences alongside hosts Pat Sajak (until 2024) and now Ryan Seacrest.

Career Timeline

Here's a quick breakdown of her iconic run:

Milestone| Date| Details
---|---|---
Debut Episode| Dec 13, 1982| Replaced Susan Stafford as letter-turner 35
30-Year Mark| 2012| Celebrated with special episodes and fan tributes 10
40-Year Anniversary| ~2022| Behind-the-scenes bash; White called it "like yesterday" 2
Sajak's Exit| Aug 2024| White extended contract through 2025-26 season 19
42+ Years Strong| 2025| Still going, with 8,000+ dresses worn 8
Current (2026)| Ongoing| Co-hosting with Seacrest; contract secured 19

Why She's Lasted So Long

  • Cultural Icon Status : From "Vannamania" in the '80s to stepping in as host during Sajak's 2019 surgery, she's woven into TV history.
  • Contract Wins : After tough 2023 talks (no raise in 18 years), she locked in deals for both syndicated and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune.
  • Personal Touch : White's shared laughs with Sajak for decades—"laughing in tears every day"—and envisions no end soon.

Imagine starting as a struggling actress and becoming synonymous with a puzzle board—talk about spinning the wheel of fortune into gold! She's not just enduring; she's thriving in season 43+.

TL;DR : 43+ years and counting—Vanna's Wheel tenure is TV's longest letter-turning saga.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.