Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White reveals the ‘only time’ she’s made a mistake on long-running game show

GAME show icon Vanna White is known for her stunning looks and charisma, but she recently revealed that she isn’t always on her A-game.

Vanna opened up in a recent interview about the one time she made a mistake on Wheel of Fortune.

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Vanna White has been on Wheel of Fortune since 1982Credit: Getty

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Vanna White is set to join new host Ryan Seacrest on the show’s 42nd seasonCredit: Getty
Ahead of Pat Sajak’s retirement, Vanna sat down with TV Insider to reflect on the 42 years of memories the two have on the show.

Vanna could only come up with one instance when asked if she’s ever made a mistake during her tenure.

She revealed that the puzzle answer was either “Dr. Spock” or “Mr. Spock” and she accidentally turned over the wrong first letter.

Vanna couldn’t remember whether the correct answer was a “D” or an “M,” but she distinctly recalled flipping over the wrong letter.

“I looked up and it was not the letter that [the contestant] called. But that was the only time,” she explained.

Despite the flub, Vanna still has an incredible resume, having only made one mistake throughout her 42-year career.

THE DYNAMIC DUO

Pat Sajak and Vanna White have cemented themselves as one of television’s most dynamic duos.

The two have starred on Wheel of Fortune for 42 years.

They made their debuts on the show in 1982 and have hosted the show alongside one another ever since.

When reminiscing over her career, she detailed her first day on the show to TV Insider.

Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White admits she considered retiring with host Pat Sajak as she reveals her future on show
“I remember being extremely nervous. It was hard for me to even talk. My mouth was just shaking out of nerves because it was, ‘I can’t believe this is happening. I’m on a TV show,'” she recalled.

Vanna credited her co-star Pat for helping her calm down and added, “He was my teacher.”

After over four decades and 8,000 shows, the two are finally splitting up professionally following Pat’s retirement.

“I sum it up as [like] reading a good book. It always has to end. This has been the best book I’ve ever read,” Vanna said of Pat’s retirement.

SHE’S STAYING

Even though Pat will be leaving Wheel after the season finale, Vanna will continue on the show.

She signed a two-year contract, extending her tenure to at least 2026.

The show’s 42nd season is set to kick off this fall, starring Vanna alongside new host Ryan Seacrest.

Fans have already seen a sneak peek into the new duo’s chemistry as Vanna appeared on a recent episode of American Idol with Ryan.

Wheel of Fortune host timeline

Premiering in 1975, the beloved game show has had a few different iconic hosts in its nearly 50 seasons.

1975 – 1981 : Chuck Woolery was the original host of Wheel of Fortune until he departed in 1981.

1981 – June 2024: Pat Sajak took over and became a beloved Wheel of Fortune host for over 40 years.

September 2024: Ryan Seacrest was declared the newest host as Sajak announced his retirement.

“I’m so excited to get to work with you, and I thought maybe we could work together right now, so would you like to help me with the next finalist introduction?” Ryan asked after introducing her to the audience as a “national treasure.”

Vanna then performed her signature move of turning over puzzle squares, revealing the name of the next contestant to take the stage.

The two also starred in a recent promotional video for the show’s upcoming season.

Pat’s last show is set to air on June 7.

Vanna revealed that she considered leaving as well, but admitted that she just wasn’t ready yet.

“We’ll see toward the end of those two years how I feel. I thank God after all these years that I still love my job,” she told TV Insider.

Wheel of Fortune airs every weekday at 7:30 pm EST on ABC.

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Vanna White has signed on for another two seasons of Wheel of Fortune alongside Ryan SeacrestCredit: Getty

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Pat Sajak and Vanna White have hosted WOF together for over four decadesCredit: Getty

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Vanna White decided to continue on the show despite Pat Sajak’s departureCredit: Getty