Vanna White and George Santo Pietro shared a chapter of each other’s lives that blended fame, family, and quiet ambition. Their story is not only about celebrity marriage but also about the personal journeys that shaped them both. Understanding their backgrounds, relationship, and lives afterward offers a more human perspective on two people who captured public attention.
Quick Bio
| Name | Vanna White |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Vanna Marie Rosich |
| Date of Birth | February 18, 1957 |
| Age | 68 years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) |
| Profession | Television Host, Actress, Businesswoman |
| Net Worth | Approx. $85 Million |
| Children | Nicholas, Giovanna |
| Partner | John Donaldson (since 2012) |
| Known For | Wheel of Fortune Co-Host |
| Fun Fact | Avid crocheter with her own yarn line |
Early Lives
Vanna White was born Vanna Marie Rosich on February 18, 1957, in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. After her parents’ divorce, she was raised by her mother and stepfather Herbert White Jr., whose surname she adopted. She studied fashion and design, worked as a model, and moved to Los Angeles in 1979 to pursue television opportunities.
George Santo Pietro was born on December 12, 1946, in Beverly Hills, California. Growing up in that environment exposed him to Hollywood culture early. He developed a varied career that touched on real estate, restaurants, and technical work in film and television.
Meeting and Marriage
Vanna and George married on December 31, 1990, a union that combined her already visible fame from Wheel of Fortune with his business pursuits. Their marriage received attention, but they kept many aspects of their private life away from the spotlight. Together they had two children, Nicholas (born 1994) and Giovanna (born 1997). George also had a daughter, Andrea, from his earlier marriage to actress Linda Evans.
Family Life
While married, they built a family life that balanced public visibility with personal privacy. Vanna often spoke about how important being a mother was to her, and she described parenting as her most rewarding role. George’s children grew up partly in the public eye but also maintained privacy, with Nikko pursuing art and Gigi leaning into tattoo artistry. Their shared home life reflected both Hollywood’s glitz and a focus on family values.
Professional Paths
Vanna White’s career is defined by her role as co-host of Wheel of Fortune, which she began in 1982. Decades later, she remains one of television’s most enduring personalities. Beyond the show, she has engaged in real estate investments, launched a line of yarn called Vanna’s Choice, and authored a memoir. Her professionalism and warm television presence helped build her reputation and financial success.
George Santo Pietro took a different route. He became known for his business ventures, running Italian and sushi restaurants in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills. At the same time, he worked behind the scenes in film and TV production as a dolly grip and camera technician. His career reflects versatility: balancing hospitality, real estate development, and Hollywood’s technical side.
Challenges and Divorce
Like many marriages, theirs faced challenges. The pressures of public life, demanding careers, and personal struggles shaped their relationship. Their union eventually ended in divorce in 2002. Despite the separation, they continued to co-parent their children and maintain their individual paths with dignity and resilience.
Life After Marriage
After the divorce, Vanna White focused on her family and career. She has remained the face of Wheel of Fortune and continued to invest in business ventures. Since 2012, she has been in a long-term relationship with contractor John Donaldson. Her personal and professional stability reflects her grounded approach to fame.
George remarried in 2005 to television producer Melissa Mascari. Together they have a daughter, Chiara. He continued to pursue his work in real estate and film, maintaining a lower profile than Vanna but living a successful and family-centered life.
Appearance and Public Image
Vanna White stands around five feet six inches tall, with a style marked by elegant gowns and timeless grace. Her appearance on Wheel of Fortune became iconic, turning her into a household name. George Santo Pietro is often described as approximately five feet nine inches tall with dark brown hair and eyes. Unlike Vanna, he has rarely sought the spotlight, preferring a quieter image built through business and behind-the-scenes work.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
Vanna White’s estimated net worth stands at about $85 million, largely from her television career and real estate ventures. She reportedly earns around $10 million annually from Wheel of Fortune and related projects. George Santo Pietro’s net worth is estimated at $14 million, earned through restaurants, real estate, and work in Hollywood. Both built comfortable lives defined by financial stability and professional achievement.
Social Media and Personal Details
George maintains a presence on Instagram under a professional identity, often highlighting his work as a crane operator and dolly grip. Vanna engages with fans through interviews, her television appearances, and occasional features, though she maintains a relatively private online presence. Their children, particularly Gigi and Nikko, are more active online, sharing their creative lives with the public.
Fun Facts
Vanna White once appeared on The Price Is Right in 1980 before her Wheel of Fortune fame. She is also an avid crocheter and knitter, passions that led to her yarn line. She once suffered a miscarriage shortly after a pregnancy announcement was revealed on national television, a moment that drew sympathy from fans and underscored her openness about personal struggles. George’s career diversity—from high-end restaurants to television production—stands out as unusual, reflecting both ambition and adaptability.
Reflections on Their Story
The story of Vanna White and George Santo Pietro is more than a celebrity marriage—it is a tale of ambition, resilience, and moving forward. While their marriage ended, their shared years brought two children into the world and left an impression on fans. Vanna’s enduring presence in television and George’s steady career outside the limelight show that their lives have taken different but equally meaningful paths.
Their legacy together is not only remembered in entertainment headlines but also in the quieter ways they prioritized family, maintained dignity, and pursued personal fulfillment beyond fame.
READ MORE: How Bridget Regan Built a Career in Television and Film
FAQs
Who is George Santo Pietro?
George Santo Pietro is an American restaurateur, real estate developer, and former television technician. He is best known for his marriage to Vanna White and his successful ventures in business.
When did Vanna White and George Santo Pietro get married?
They were married on December 31, 1990, and their union lasted until 2002 when they divorced.
How many children do they have together?
They share two children, Nicholas and Giovanna, while George also has a daughter, Andrea, from a previous marriage, and a daughter, Chiara, with his current wife Melissa Mascari.
What is Vanna White’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated to be around $85 million, primarily from her decades-long role on Wheel of Fortune and real estate ventures.
Is George Santo Pietro active on social media?
Yes, George maintains a professional Instagram presence where he shares insights into his behind-the-scenes work in film and television.
