• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • Culture

Vanna White celebrates 40 years on 'Wheel of Fortune'

2:03
'Wheel of Fortune' gets a new look
Carol Kaelson/Wheel of Fortune
ByCarson Blackwelder
December 15, 2022, 5:13 PM

Vanna White is celebrating her 40th anniversary -- or "Vannaversary" -- on "Wheel of Fortune."

The beloved letter turner marked 40 years on the iconic game show this week, sharing a heartfelt message to Instagram to commemorate the milestone.

Related Articles

MORE: Vanna White says thinking about 'Wheel of Fortune' without Pat Sajak is 'depressing'

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but 40 years ago today I taped my first episode of @wheeloffortune," White wrote on Dec. 13. "It's been a wonderful 40 years, too!"

"I'm so grateful to those of you who watch and everyone behind the scenes who make us look good," she continued. "We wouldn't still be here without all of you! (And the cake was delicious!)"

Editor’s Picks

Vanna White says thinking about 'Wheel of Fortune' without Pat Sajak is 'depressing'

  • Dec 06, 2022

'Wheel of Fortune' co-host Vanna White mourns father's death

  • Apr 05, 2022

Pat Sajak, Vanna White to host 'Wheel of Fortune' through 2024

  • Sep 09, 2021

The first photo in the post shows White and longtime host Pat Sajak with a table between them featuring dolls dressed up as White, a miniature version of the titular wheel in the background, and a cake designed to look like the board she stands in front of each episode.

Vanna White celebrated her 40th anniversary on Wheel of Fortune, Dec. 13, 2022. She taped her first show, Dec. 13, 1982.
Carol Kaelson/Wheel of Fortune

The second photo is a throwback of her and Sajak from her very first episode, which was taped on Dec. 13, 1982.

In a behind-the-scenes video shared on the game show's official Instagram page, Sajak said, "Folks, it was 40 years ago on this very date that this young lady walked into the studio, trembling, and did her first 'Wheel of Fortune.' And here she is. Happy 40th, my dear."

"I cannot believe it's been 40 years," she responded. "I'm overwhelmed."

Editor’s Picks

Vanna White says thinking about 'Wheel of Fortune' without Pat Sajak is 'depressing'

  • Dec 06, 2022

'Wheel of Fortune' co-host Vanna White mourns father's death

  • Apr 05, 2022

Pat Sajak, Vanna White to host 'Wheel of Fortune' through 2024

  • Sep 09, 2021

Up Next in Culture—

Taylor Swift no longer facing subpoena in Justin Baldoni's legal feud with Blake Lively

May 23, 2025

Megan Fox says pregnancy was 'unplanned but a happy surprise'

May 22, 2025

Kieran Culkin joins 'The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping' cast as Caesar Flickerman

May 22, 2025

Kim Kardashian graduates from law study program after 6 years

May 22, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News