Vanna White Declares She Doesn’t Cook: A Glimpse into Her Family Life

Vanna White Declares She Doesn’t Cook: A Glimpse into Her Family Life

Vanna White, the iconic host of Wheel of Fortune, has made it clear that her culinary skills are not a priority in her life. During a recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, White openly stated her disinterest in cooking, sparking both amusement and curiosity among viewers.

On the show, which aired on Thursday, White was joined by her son, Nikko Santo Pietro, a professional chef known for his culinary expertise. Nikko delighted both his mother and Barrymore by preparing a delicious fire-roasted salsa as part of the episode’s cooking segment.

As they prepared the dish, Barrymore inquired about White’s cooking habits. White succinctly responded with a light-hearted, “No, why should I?” This candid reply underscores her perspective on kitchen duties amidst her busy career.

A Culinary Legacy

Interestingly, Vanna White’s ex-husband, George Santo Pietro, was also involved in the culinary world. He once owned a well-known restaurant in Los Angeles, which catered to both locals and celebrities alike. The restaurant, appropriately named Santopietro’s, became a hotspot in the 1980s, attracting numerous famous patrons. Reflecting on this legacy, Barrymore shared fond memories of visiting the restaurant during her youth.

“Your dad owned a restaurant that I used to frequent in Los Angeles, the famous Santopietro’s. That was like the place,” Barrymore reminisced, highlighting the restaurant’s popularity and its connection to Hollywood’s elite.

Family Bonds and Shared Experiences

Vanna and George Santo Pietro were married from 1990 to 2002 and share two children—Giovanna “Gigi” and Nicholas “Nikko” Santo Pietro. While Vanna might not enjoy cooking, she appreciates the culinary talents that run in her family, especially through her son.

In a previous episode, White and Nikko stirred up excitement on social media by sharing a cooking video featuring a family recipe called “Uncle Roy’s Chicken.” Although she admits she is not a good cook herself, White made it clear that she relies on her son’s cooking skills, saying, “Fortunately, he is.” The clip received a flurry of enthusiastic responses, with many viewers commenting not just on the recipe, but also on Nikko’s charm.

One subscriber remarked, “What’s his @?? Asking for a friend,” while another added humorously, “If your son is free, my daughter is also. Lol they can cook together.” Such comments exemplify the lighthearted interaction that family dynamics and social media can foster.

Behind the Glamour: Vanna’s Career

On The Drew Barrymore Show, White also shared insights about her prolific career on Wheel of Fortune, which she has co-hosted since 1982 alongside Pat Sajak. As the conversation turned to her extensive wardrobe, White revealed the staggering number of dresses she has worn over the decades—over 8,000 gowns, to be exact.

When asked if she keeps any of the dresses or wants to take them home, White candidly replied that she spends most of her days lounging in comfortable clothes, like sweatpants. Despite her glamorous public persona, she explained, “Because we get dressed up to work. That’s the last thing we wanna do when we’re at home.” Nonetheless, she is allowed to borrow the dresses for special occasions.

The Impact of Vanna’s Legacy

While her wardrobe is striking, it’s White’s connection with the show and its audience that leaves a lasting impression. She expressed her gratitude for the promotional opportunities afforded to her, saying, “I don’t get to keep them, but they do let me borrow them for [events]. The Emmys or whatever… Every day a different dress for all of these years. 42 years.”

As the landscape of television continues to evolve, the upcoming transition in hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune marks a significant change. Following Pat Sajak’s retirement in 2024, Ryan Seacrest is set to take on the hosting mantle, ushering in a new era for the beloved game show.

Reflecting on a Multifaceted Life

Vanna White’s statement about her cooking—or lack thereof—indeed draws attention to the complexities of life as a multi-talented individual. Her role on Wheel of Fortune continues to be one of the most recognized in television history, yet it is her family life and openness about personal choices that resonate with audiences. By sharing her experiences, she reflects an authentic approach to life that many can relate to, embracing both her career successes and her preferences at home.

As viewers continue to follow her journey on social media and television, Vanna White remains a fascinating blend of a dedicated career woman and a loving mother, proving that you don’t have to excel at everything, especially when there are family members ready to step in.