Vanna White—the face of Wheel of Fortune since 1982—is reportedly negotiating her first raise in over 18 years.
Last month, it was reported that the 66-year-old gameshow icon had not received a pay raise in 18 years and has been paid significantly less than the show’s host, Pat Sajak, despite joining the show at the same time and arguably becoming a much bigger household name. After it was revealed that Sajak was leaving the series after 41 series and will be replaced by Ryan Seacrest, Puck News reported that White has been paid nearly five times less than her male co-worker and hired high-powered lawyer Bryan Freedman to help renegotiate her contracts for the first time since 2005.
While recent reports suggest White will ask Sony Picture Television for 50 percent of Sajak’s salary when contract negotiations begin, a source tells People that she’s coming for the whole shebang. “50 percent of Pat’s salary is so outrageous that no one in their right mind could say that it’s fair,” the source said. “The negotiation is asking for much more than 50 percent of his salary. It’s asking for the same pay — if not more.”
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The source claims Vanna White has been making $3 million per year from Wheel of Fortune for the past 18 years and was warned not to ask for more. TMZ reports the same figure and that Pajak makes roughly $15 million per year. “Vanna was told, ‘If you fight this, you will lose your job,” the People’s source said. “You’re lucky to have the job.’ And when people tell you that for so long, you believe it.”
Sajak announced his retirement on June 12, tweeting, “Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last. It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all. (If nothing else, it’ll keep the clickbait sites busy!).”
