Considering that Vanna White has co-hosted Wheel of Fortune for over 40 years now, it pretty much goes without saying that the former model has captured the rapt attention of countless, shall we say, impressionable minds who grew up watching her on the long-running game show. As such, one of the 66-year-old's admirers could barely contain his delight at meeting her up close and personal.
During a new episode of Celebrity Wheel of Fortune that aired on Wednesday night featuring comedian Natasha Leggero, recently departed Daily Show correspondent Roy Wood Jr., and NFL Network host Kyle Brandt; the latter contestant took the opportunity to confess his childhood crush to White.
While introducing Brandt, host Pat Sajak noted that the 44-year-old was "a big fan of that lady over there," referring to White.
"Pat, I’m thrilled to meet you, but Vanna, let’s just put the cards on the table," Brandt gushed. “I say this respectfully, you’re a TV legend, my wife is here, you were my boyhood crush. I love you. For many years of my life, you were the puzzle I wanted to solve. And I’m so thrilled to be here."
"Do you have any advice for me today, Vanna?" Brandt continued, once the ensuing audience applause began to wind down. "Because I believe you control the board. I love you, Pat. But, to me, this is a Vanna show.”
Guys, I’m on Wheel of Fortune tonight.
— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) November 15, 2023
9pm Eastern on ABC.
Most fun I’ve ever had.
I left it all on the field, including my confession to Vanna… pic.twitter.com/GvYj5mqrCk
White was all too happy to oblige, telling Brandt to buy vowels, pretend that he's in his own living room, and—perhaps most importantly—to concentrate on the puzzle board. "Not me, keep me out of it. Think of the puzzle," she quipped, gesturing to the board.
Hey, you can't blame a guy for shooting his shot. After all, many couples have a so-called "celebrity hall pass" that allows for one instance of cheating in the highly unlikely event you get a chance to hook up with your ultimate celeb crush.
In either case, it seems as though White's tips helped. By the end of the episode, Brandt won over $160,000 for his charity of choice, the Make-A-Wish Foundation. As for whether or not he scored a prize for himself, well, that's between him and Vanna.
