Vanna White experienced an unforgettable birthday surprise that left her momentarily pale and stunned. Ryan Seacrest orchestrated an elaborate prank on his Wheel of Fortune co-host, leaving fans and colleagues in shock. Read on to find out how the excessive prank nearly made White faint live on air!

A Shocking Birthday Surprise for Vanna White
Vanna White has been a beloved television personality for decades, but nothing could have prepared her for the unexpected birthday prank that nearly made her faint on air. The surprise, masterminded by her Wheel of Fortune co-host Ryan Seacrest, was meant to be lighthearted fun. However, the elaborate setup proved to be more than she anticipated, causing an intense reaction that fans couldn’t stop talking about.
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White, who turned 68, was greeted in her dressing room with festive balloons and decorations. Longtime co-host Pat Sajak and his daughter, Maggie Sajak, the show’s social media correspondent, stood by as they prepared to celebrate with her. As White entered, Sajak held up a small birthday cake, warmly wishing her a happy birthday. What seemed like a sweet and normal celebration took a shocking turn when Seacrest suddenly jumped out from behind the kitchen island, startling White to the point of momentarily turning pale.

Ryan Seacrest’s Commitment to the Prank
Ryan Seacrest was fully committed to making this prank unforgettable. Determined to catch White off guard, he crouched behind the counter for an astonishing 45 minutes, waiting for the perfect moment to spring his surprise. When he finally leaped out, singing “Happy Birthday” alongside Sajak, White’s reaction was immediate—she jumped back in sheer shock, momentarily losing her composure.
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After the initial scare, White, visibly surprised but amused, thanked her colleagues for the birthday cake. However, Seacrest’s effort did not go unnoticed, as he humorously lamented the physical toll of the prank. “I’ve been down there for 45 minutes. My knees are aching,” he admitted with a laugh, prompting an amused response from Sajak, who added, “He’s exhausted.”

Fans React to the Hilarious Birthday Prank
The prank quickly became a hot topic among Wheel of Fortune fans, with many taking to social media to express their reactions. The official Wheel of Fortune Instagram account shared a video of the surprise, captioning it, “We just had to surprise Vanna for her birthday! Happiest of birthdays to the one and only, Vanna White!”
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The post received an outpouring of love and well-wishes from devoted fans. Comments flooded in, with fans expressing their admiration and amusement over the lighthearted prank. “Happy Happy Birthday, Vanna! Wishing you a fabulous birthday celebrating you!” one fan commented. Another enthusiastically wrote, “Happy Birthday Vanna White, you are still my number one favorite hostess of Wheel of Fortune!”
Despite the initial scare, White embraced the moment and enjoyed her birthday treat. After attempting to blow out her candles—mistaking them for trick candles—she shared a laugh with her colleagues and indulged in a piece of delicious chocolate cake. The celebration was a heartwarming reminder of the deep camaraderie between the Wheel of Fortune hosts, as well as the affection fans continue to shower on White.
Beyond marking another personal milestone, White’s 68th birthday coincided with another major achievement. In December 2024, she celebrated her 42nd season on Wheel of Fortune, an incredible feat that speaks to her enduring popularity and dedication to the show.
The birthday prank, while excessive, was ultimately a testament to how much her colleagues and fans cherish her. Even after decades in the spotlight, White continues to be at the center of memorable and heartwarming moments. As she moves forward, fans eagerly anticipate more fun-filled interactions and unforgettable milestones.

If you’re a fan of Vanna White and Wheel of Fortune, stay tuned for more exciting moments and celebrations ahead!