Vanna White has been part of Wheel of Fortune for more than four decades, and in that time, she has created countless memorable moments with fans. One of her most recent interactions added another heartwarming story to the show’s legacy. During a taping, White greeted a longtime fan and his teenage son in a way that left the studio audience cheering.
According to TV Insider, the encounter was especially touching because it echoed a similar moment from nearly 40 years ago. Back in 1989, the man had been a 15-year-old audience member when White walked over and surprised him with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. He told her at the recent taping that he “didn’t wash it for almost a week.” Now, decades later, he hoped his son might share the same experience.
A Nostalgic Moment On The Wheel Of Fortune Set
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During a Q&A segment, announcer Jim Thornton invited the fan to share his story with White and host Ryan Seacrest. The audience laughed as he recalled his teenage memory, and Vanna White was stunned to realize how much time had passed. When the man’s son, also 15, stood up to wave, the audience applauded, sensing what was about to happen.
Ryan Seacrest teased the moment by joking, “Her boyfriend John is bigger than you, FYI!” before inviting the pair to the stage. White first gave the son a warm hug before leaning in to give him a peck on the cheek, complete with a lipstick mark. The audience clapped, and the boy’s dad proudly captured the moment with a photo.
Fans Celebrate Vanna White’s Kind Gesture
The lighthearted scene didn’t stop there. Seacrest added a playful twist by kissing the dad on the cheek, which drew laughter from both White and the crowd. The moment was later shared on Instagram with the caption, “Looks like good fortune runs in the family.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments with praise, calling the exchange “wholesome” and referring to White as a “literal national treasure.” For many, it was another reminder of the warmth and charm that make Wheel of Fortune such a beloved part of television history. Even after all these years, Vanna White continues to create the kind of moments that keep viewers smiling.