Who was the first host on Wheel of Fortune?
Sarah Scott
Updated on May 03, 2026
The original host of Wheel of Fortune was Chuck Woolery, who hosted the series from its 1975 premiere. The wheel spun for a few years before Sajak and Vanna White became the powerhouse duo who won the hearts of viewers.
Who did Vanna White replace on Wheel of Fortune?
Wheel of Fortune originally began on NBC as a day time series, which debuted in 1975. 6 years later, in 1981, current host Pat Sajak stepped in alongside Vanna White to replace former host Chuck Woolery alongside Susan Stafford.When did Vanna White start on Wheel of Fortune?
Vanna White joined “Wheel of Fortune” back in 1982, which means she's been revealing letters on the game show's puzzle board each time a contestant guesses correctly for 40 years now. At least, that's usually what the 64-year-old co-host does.Who was the original turner on Wheel of Fortune?
Susan Stafford (born Susan Gail Carney on October 13, 1945 from Lynn, Massachusetts) was the original letter-turner on Wheel of Fortune from its August 28, 1974 pilots through October 22, 1982.Why did Susan Stafford quit Wheel of Fortune?
Susan Stafford left the show to work with cancer patientsIn her book Stop the Wheel, I Want to Get Off!, Stafford recalls the moment she told her boss she was leaving, saying he told her, "Susan, you can't be serious.