It feels like they’ve been on our screens forever, doesn't it? You flip on the TV, hear that "Wheel! Of! Fortune!" chant, and there they are—the quintessential American living room fixtures. But time is a funny thing in Hollywood. Between the stage lights, the legendary wardrobe, and that permanent glow, it’s actually pretty hard to guess their real ages just by looking at them.
If you're wondering how old is Vanna White and how old is Pat Sajak, you aren't alone. Millions of viewers ask this every year, especially now that the show has undergone its biggest shake-up in four decades. We've officially entered the post-Sajak era of Wheel, and the numbers might actually surprise you.
The Ageless Legend: How Old Is Vanna White?
As of early 2026, Vanna White is 68 years old.
Born on February 18, 1957, in Conway, South Carolina, Vanna has spent more than half her life walking that puzzle board. She’ll be hitting the big 6-9 later this February. It's wild to think she’s been revealing letters since 1982. Back then, she was literally turning physical panels. Now, she just taps a touch-screen, but the grace is exactly the same.
Honestly, her "age" is a bit of a running joke because she looks like she stopped aging somewhere around 1995. She’s famously worn over 8,000 different outfits on the show without ever repeating a single one (except for that one time in 2020, which was a whole thing). That kind of consistency makes her feel timeless.
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But 68 is the number. While most people are eyeing retirement at that age, Vanna did the opposite. When Pat announced his exit, there was a lot of talk about whether she’d walk away too. Instead, she locked in a new contract that keeps her at the board through the 2025-2026 season. She’s the bridge between the old school and the new Ryan Seacrest era.
The Retired Pro: How Old Is Pat Sajak?
Now, let's talk about the man who held the buzzer for 41 seasons. Pat Sajak is 79 years old.
He was born on October 26, 1946. Think about that for a second. Pat was already a seasoned broadcaster when the 80s began. He officially retired from his hosting duties on June 7, 2024, at the age of 77, handing over the keys to the kingdom to Ryan Seacrest.
Pat is technically entering his 80th year soon. It's a huge milestone. While he’s stepped back from the nightly grind of taping six episodes in a single day, he hasn't vanished. Part of his retirement deal included staying on as a consultant for three years. So, while he isn't standing next to the wheel, his influence is still baked into the show's DNA.
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A Quick Breakdown of the Numbers
- Vanna White: 68 (Born February 18, 1957)
- Pat Sajak: 79 (Born October 26, 1946)
- Age Gap: Pat is about 10 years and 4 months older than Vanna.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With Their Age Right Now
It’s mostly because we’re in a transition period. When you've watched the same two people for 40 years, any change feels seismic. People want to know how old is Vanna White and how old is Pat Sajak because they’re trying to figure out how much longer this "comfort food" television will stay the same.
When Ryan Seacrest took over in September 2024, he was 49. Suddenly, the host of the show was nearly 30 years younger than his predecessor. That’s a massive jump in energy. Vanna, at 68, is now the "senior" member of the on-camera team, which is a role she’s handled with a lot of poise.
She’s basically the mentor now. It’s kinda cool to see her take the lead in terms of show history. She knows where all the metaphorical bodies are buried—and by bodies, I mean the weirdest contestant fails and the most difficult puzzles in the history of the game.
What’s Next for the Duo?
Pat is enjoying the quiet life, mostly. He’s earned it. After decades of "R, S, T, L, N, E," the man deserves to never hear a wheel click again if he doesn't want to.
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Vanna, on the other hand, is still the "Clapper-in-Chief." According to Guinness World Records, she’s the world’s most frequent clapper. Think about the stamina required for that at 68. She’s still outperforming people half her age. Her current contract takes her through the end of this current 2026 season cycle, and fans are already wondering if she’ll sign another one.
The reality is that Wheel of Fortune is a well-oiled machine. It doesn't take many days a year to film. They "batch" episodes, usually shooting a week's worth of content in one day. This is why Vanna can keep doing this well into her 70s if she wants to. It’s arguably the best gig in Hollywood.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Check Local Listings: Even though Pat is retired, many local stations run "Wheel of Fortune Weekend" or classic episodes. If you miss the old banter, that’s where to find it.
- Follow Maggie Sajak: If you want updates on Pat, his daughter Maggie is the show’s Social Correspondent. She often shares "life after Wheel" snippets of her dad.
- Watch for the 2026 Contract News: Keep an eye out this summer. That’s when we’ll likely hear if Vanna plans to stay beyond the 2025-2026 season or if she’s finally ready to hang up the gowns.
Seeing these two navigate aging in the public eye is actually kind of inspiring. They didn't try to hide it with weird CGI or pretend they were 40 forever. They just grew up with us. Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, knowing they’re still thriving at 68 and 79 makes that nightly "Wheel" spin feel a little more like home.
To stay updated on Vanna’s future with the show, keep an eye on official Sony Pictures Television press releases toward the end of the current season in May.