Vanna White’s Son reveals his father’s continued love for ‘Wheel of Fortune’ following his parents’ split
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Vanna White’s son, Nikko Santo Pietro, shared that his father, George Santo Pietro, continued to watch ‘Wheel of Fortune’ even after the couple’s separation in 2002. While White, the iconic co-host of the show, mentioned that watching the game show wasn’t a regular family activity, she acknowledged that they would tune in if it happened to be on TV.
The atmosphere in Nikko Santo Pietro’s childhood home was filled with love and support, despite his parents’ split. In a joint interview featured in PEOPLE’s Generations issue, Nikko fondly recalled his father’s fondness for ‘Wheel of Fortune’ post-separation. The revelation came as a surprise to Vanna, showcasing the unique dynamics within their family.
With a hint of humour, Vanna White admitted, “We didn’t watch Wheel of Fortune. Isn’t that terrible to say? I mean, of course, we would watch it if it was on, but we didn’t make a point to every night sit down and watch it.” This candid remark offers a glimpse into the White-Santo Pietro household’s casual approach to the famous game show.
Nikko Santo Pietro, a 31-year-old real estate agent based in Los Angeles, reminisced about his childhood experiences of watching his mother on television. His admiration for Vanna’s on-screen presence was evident as he expressed joy in seeing her excel on ‘Wheel of Fortune’. Nikko described his mother as ‘America’s sweetheart’, both on and off the screen, emphasizing her genuine nature and warmth.
Despite growing up in the limelight as Vanna White’s son, Nikko shared that he cherished the sense of pride that came with his mother’s fame. Recounting his school days, he acknowledged the attention his background garnered, portraying his mother in a positive light for her accomplishments and reputation. Nikko’s reflections offer a glimpse into the unique experiences of being raised by a celebrity parent.
While Vanna White’s professional life revolves around the glitz and glamour of television, she made a conscious effort to create a sense of normalcy for her children. Emphasising the importance of instilling values of hard work and humility in Nikko and his sister Gigi, White highlighted their upbringing as grounded and balanced. The family’s bonding activities included baking cookies, playing games, and spending quality time together.
Nikko’s exposure to the set of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ from a young age left a lasting impression on him. Recalling his visits to the show’s set and the familial atmosphere he encountered there, he shared insights into his behind-the-scenes experiences. Despite the show’s enduring popularity, Nikko’s perspective offered a personal glimpse into his connection with the iconic game show.
As Nikko Santo Pietro continues to navigate his relationship with fame and family, his reflections on growing up as Vanna White’s son provide a unique perspective on celebrity upbringing. The enduring legacy of ‘Wheel of Fortune’ and Vanna White’s iconic presence serve as a backdrop to Nikko’s story of pride, admiration, and normalcy. The exclusive interview with PEOPLE sheds light on the intimate dynamics of a well-known family, showcasing the bonds that transcend fame and fortune.