Vanna White’s appearance will stun fans in throwback photos as Wheel of Fortune turns 50

Wheel of Fortune premiered in 1975, and Vanna joined as co-host in 1981

If you can believe it, Wheel of Fortune is officially 50 years old.

The long-running game show launched on January 5, 1975, though rather than in the format it’s known today, with Vanna White and Pat Sajak at the helm, it was a daytime series with the late Chuck Woolery and former model Susan Stafford as hosts.

Pat, who retired last year and was replaced by veteran TV personality Ryan Seacrest, joined the show in 1981, and Vanna joined him as his co-host the following year.

When the game show host retired, Vanna, who had reportedly not received an increase to her salary in 18 years, admitted to TV Insider: “When I heard that Pat was retiring, I thought maybe I should retire, too. But I’m not ready!” however she eventually signed a two-year contract.

In honor of the show’s milestone anniversary, see some of the best throwback photos featuring Vanna and Pat.

BREAKING NEWS: Ryan Seacrest reveals the shocking reason why he had to leave Wheel Of Fortune after a short time hosting the show

WHEEL of Fortune social media correspondent Maggie Sajak could end up taking over Ryan Seacrest’s hosting job if he doesn’t sign a new contract.

Ryan, 49, took over Maggie’s dad Pat’s longtime job this fall after the iconic star hosted the game show for over 40 years.

Despite her beloved dad’s departure, Maggie, 29, has remained on Wheel of Fortune in her role as social media correspondent.

Maggie has proven popular with viewers, and has created buzz for the show through her use of Instagram and TikTok.

“It’s important to allow Maggie to develop her own voice when it comes to the Wheel fan base, and that makes her incredibly valuable to Sony

TV,” an insider told The U.S. Sun.

“Because the whole point of bringing in Ryan Seacrest was to reach more young people.”

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

As The U.S. Sun previously reported, Ryan’s arrival on the show has brought a major boost in ratings.

But he has only reportedly signed an official contract for two years, leaving Wheel of Fortune’s future uncertain.

“Sony loves the ratings and wants to negotiate a much longer contract for Ryan, but right now they have to have contingency plans in place in case Ryan simply decides to move on,” the insider claimed.

“Maggie has positioned herself to help out if there’s a hosting vacancy, and the franchise is in her blood and her appreciation for the world of Wheel of Fortune is genuine.”

Whether Ryan stays or goes, Wheel of Fortune execs hope to keep Maggie on the show for years to come.

“Maggie’s already proven herself to be a super-valuable member of the Wheel family, especially during this time of transition,” the insider said.

Wheel of Fortune’s Maggie Sajak takes fans on behind-the-scenes tour of new set & reveals detail that will stay the same.

In addition to her job on Wheel of Fortune, Maggie also recently became a licensed attorney.

“Thank you to everyone who supported me through this journey,” she proudly posted in November.

“Excited to do some good with this in the future.”

As The U.S. Sun exclusively reported, Maggie’s law license was issued on September 7, 2024, by the State Bar of California.

She graduated from Georgetown University Law School in Washington, DC in May 2023.

Wheel of Fortune’s big changes

The game show has undergone a major transformation now that Ryan Seacrest has taken over hosting duties for Pat Sajak.

-Ryan and Vanna White now host on a brand-new set, featuring a blue-toned stage, a green screen and art-deco wheel design.

-Ryan and Vanna make their big entrance from behind new sliding, brightly lit doors.

-Vanna turns – or now, touches – a modern, digital puzzle board controlled by lasers.

-Ryan brings a new hosting style, and has ditched Pat’s signature cue cards.

-The prizes have also been upgraded, and now include tickets to NFL games, and tickets to A-list concerts.