Hey there, friend! You probably recognize Vanna White as the dazzling hostess of Wheel of Fortune, but have you ever wondered what her life was like before she stepped into the spotlight? Let’s take a little trip back in time and uncover some adorable throwback photos of Vanna when she was just a young girl.
Who Is Vanna White, Really?
Before Vanna became a household name, she was Vanna Marie Rosich, born in Conway, South Carolina, in February 1957. Life wasn’t always smooth sailing for young Vanna. Her biological father, Miguel Angel Rosich, left when she was still a child, and she eventually took on her stepfather Herbert Stackley White Jr.'s last name. But don’t let that story fool you—Vanna’s journey is one filled with resilience and charm.
A Glimpse Into Vanna’s Childhood
Thanks to Vanna’s own social media, we’ve been treated to a few precious glimpses of her childhood. Last year, she shared a heartwarming #TBT photo on Instagram, showcasing her family in 1961. In the black-and-white image, you can see a young Vanna alongside her mom, Joan Marie, her stepfather, Herbert, and her younger brother, Chip White. Vanna captioned the post, “#FamilyFriday #FBF [to] 1961. Dad Herbert, mom Joan, brother Chip, and me. #FamilyPhoto #FamilyLove.”
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Her fans were quick to respond, with one commenting, “Beautiful family, Vanna!” and another adding, “Precious memories!” It’s clear that Vanna treasures these moments and loves sharing them with her nearly 13,000 followers.
Teenage Vanna: Phones and Cats
Vanna recently shared another delightful throwback photo, this time from her teenage years in the early 1970s. In the picture, a young Vanna poses with her cat, Cece, and her new #PrincessPhone. Her caption reads, “TBT [to] 1972 with my cat Cece and my new #PrincessPhone. #HoursOnThePhone.” It’s easy to imagine Vanna spending countless hours chatting with friends, just like any other teenager at the time.
Vanna’s Early Career Adventures
Before Vanna became the face of Wheel of Fortune, she was involved in the world of game shows in a different way. In her early twenties, Vanna found herself testing new game show concepts alongside none other than Alex Trebek. Can you imagine? Two future legends working together behind the scenes, long before they became household names. Vanna shared a nostalgic photo from that time on Instagram, captioning it, “TBT. When I first moved to LA, I helped out with some game show run-throughs to test new ideas. Here’s one that #AlexTrebek was involved in long before we both got our jobs on [Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy]. #BeforeTheDay #GameShowHosts.”
Vanna’s First Television Appearance
Vanna’s first television appearance was as a contestant on The Price is Right in June 1980. Though she didn’t make it onto the stage during that episode, the cameras caught her excitement as she ran to Contestants’ Row after being called down from the audience by host Bob Barker. It’s a fun little detail that shows just how much she loved being part of the game show world, even as a participant.
The Big Break
By the age of 25, Vanna’s big break finally came. She was chosen as one of three substitute hostesses to appear on Wheel of Fortune after Susan Stafford left the show in October 1982. After just two months, Vanna was named the program’s regular hostess, and the rest, as they say, is history!
Ready to see more? Click through the gallery below to explore your favorite game show hosts then and now!
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Isn’t it amazing to see how Vanna’s journey unfolded? From her childhood in South Carolina to her rise as a game show icon, Vanna White’s story is one of perseverance and passion. So, the next time you tune into Wheel of Fortune, remember the incredible journey that brought her there!
