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Rediscovering Vanna White’s Early Television Days on The Price Is Right
Recent nostalgia has surfaced for fans of The Price Is Right, as an archived clip featuring Vanna White from her youthful days has gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Long before she became an iconic figure on Wheel of Fortune, White caught the attention of viewers during her stint on the former game show, where she appeared alongside host Bob Barker.
At just 23 years old, Vanna White made her debut on The Price Is Right on June 20, 1980, as one of the first four contestants to take the spotlight in Bidder’s Row. She joined Wheel of Fortune just two years later in 1982. In the vintage footage, White sported long brown hair, a sun-kissed complexion, and a casual outfit consisting of jeans and a baby blue shirt emblazoned with the phrase “Get Serious.” A pair of glasses was perched atop her head, adding to her youthful charm.
Barker’s playful demeanor was evident as he made a remark about her shirt upon her arrival at the podium. “The crew members backstage have monitors when the contestants come up here. He read your shirt that said, ‘Get Serious,’ and he said, ‘I am.’ I thought you’d like to know that.” This comment prompted a light, albeit awkward, laugh from White, showcasing the juxtaposition between her appearance then and her lasting presence today, 45 years later.
White made a bid of $600 on exercise equipment, but it wasn’t enough to win the round; the actual retail price was $509, and her rival contestant placed a bid of $350. Unfortunately, White faced similar fates in subsequent rounds, ultimately failing to capture a victory during her appearance.
On her sixth and final bid, Barker humorously remarked, “You’re too busy looking at yourself in the monitor that you’re not paying attention to the bids.” White bid $695, yet again came up short, as the retail price was $620.
Viewers have reacted to the vintage footage with a mix of admiration and nostalgia. One TikTok user expressed, “If I was choosing a contestant, I would have definitely picked her.” Another comment reflected on her enduring charm, stating, “She’s as adorable now as she was then, 45 years ago!” Further accolades poured in, with fans noting her appeal and iconic 70s-80s style.
In a recent interview with Elvis Duran in March 2025, White reminisced about her brief time on TPIR. She candidly shared, “I didn’t win a dang thing” and added that returning to the game show would feel like “turning my back on Wheel of Fortune.” Her dedication was clear as she affirmed, “I’m loyal.”
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