It’s actually kind of wild when you think about it. Most of us have grown up with the same woman on our TV screens every single night, and she looks almost exactly like she did when Reagan was in office. Seriously. You’re sitting there, watching Ryan Seacrest take over the hosting duties, and you see her glide across the stage. Naturally, the first thing that pops into your head is: how old is Vanna White exactly?
Born on February 18, 1957, Vanna White is currently 68 years old.
If you’re reading this after her birthday in February 2026, she’s already hit the 69 mark.
It feels impossible. Honestly, most people guess she’s at least a decade younger. Maybe it’s the lighting on the Wheel of Fortune set, or maybe it’s the fact that she’s worn over 7,000 gowns without ever repeating a single one. But the math doesn’t lie. Vanna has been a staple of American culture since 1982. That’s over four decades of letter-turning.
Why the Internet is Obsessed with Vanna’s Age
People aren’t just curious because they’re nosy. There’s a genuine sense of awe here. In an industry that usually swaps out women the moment they hit 40, Vanna White has become an untouchable icon. She’s outlasted sitcoms, news anchors, and even her longtime partner-in-crime, Pat Sajak.
When Pat retired in 2024, everyone wondered if Vanna would follow him out the door. She didn’t. Instead, she signed a contract extension that keeps her on the show through the 2025-2026 season. This means we get to see her hit that 69th birthday while still dominating the most famous puzzle board in the world.
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She’s basically the human equivalent of a lucky charm for Sony Pictures.
The Secret to Staying "Vanna"
You’ve probably seen the headlines. "Vanna White’s Diet Secret!" or "How She Stays Young!"
Kinda predictable, right?
But if you listen to her talk in interviews—like those recent chats with People or her segments on The Game Show Show—it’s not about some magic potion. She’s famously into spinning and walking. She’s also a big advocate for a "minimalist" approach to her work-life balance these days, which probably helps with the stress.
And let’s be real. It’s also about the yarn.
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Vanna is a massive fan of crochet. She even has her own line called Vanna’s Choice with Lion Brand Yarn. There’s something to be said about having a hobby that keeps your hands busy and your mind calm. Plus, a portion of those proceeds goes to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, so she’s got that "doing good feels good" glow going for her too.
A Career Built on Resilience
It wasn't always easy. People see the sequins and the smile, but Vanna’s life has had some pretty dark chapters.
Before she was the "Queen of the Wheel," she was a struggling model in Los Angeles. She actually competed in the Miss Georgia USA pageant back in 1978. But the real test came in 1986. Her fiancé, John Gibson, died in a tragic plane crash. It was a massive blow that played out in the public eye.
Then there was the whole Playboy debacle in 1987. Some photos she had taken before she was famous were sold to the magazine. She had to go on The Tonight Show and apologize to Merv Griffin and the fans. She thought her career was over.
It wasn't.
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The fans didn't care. They loved her. They still do. That’s why, at 68, she’s still getting paid the big bucks. Speaking of money, there was a lot of chatter during her recent contract negotiations about her salary. For the longest time, she hadn't had a proper raise—nearly 18 years. Seeing her finally fight for what she’s worth was a huge moment for fans who felt she was just as essential to the show as Pat was.
What’s Next for the Most Frequent Clapper?
Guinness World Records officially recognizes her as "television’s most frequent clapper." It sounds like a funny title, but it represents a level of consistency that is literally record-breaking.
As we move through 2026, the question of retirement is always looming. She’s mentioned that she’s "not ready" to quit yet. She enjoys the routine. She likes working with Ryan Seacrest, who has been very vocal about his respect for her legacy.
But eventually, the gowns will be hung up for good.
Until then, we just get to enjoy the fact that Vanna White is still out there, defying the laws of aging and show business. She’s a South Carolina girl who became a global phenomenon by just being herself—graceful, steady, and remarkably enduring.
If you want to keep up with what she's doing outside of the studio, check out her yarn projects or her updates for St. Jude. It’s where she spends a lot of her "off-camera" energy these days. Honestly, seeing how much she gives back is way more interesting than just counting the candles on her birthday cake.
Next Steps for You:
If you're a fan, the best way to support Vanna's legacy right now is by checking out her work with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. She’s helped raise millions for them over the years. You can also look for her "Vanna's Choice" yarn line if you're into crafting; it's a huge part of her life that most casual viewers don't even know about.