Ryan Seacrest may be fit enough to breakdance, but even he isn’t immune to a little wear and tear.
The Wheel of Fortune host recently pulled off a sweet birthday surprise for his co-host, Vanna White, but the stunt left him feeling the effects.
After crouching in her dressing room for nearly 45 minutes to ensure the perfect moment, the 49-year-old TV personality admitted that his knees were aching from the effort.
A Surprise Celebration for Vanna White
On Tuesday, February 18, Vanna White celebrated her 68th birthday, and her Wheel of Fortune colleagues made sure the occasion was extra special.
Maggie Sajak, the show’s social media correspondent and daughter of former host Pat Sajak, led the surprise by entering Vanna’s dressing room while holding a birthday cake.
Vanna, taken aback, looked at Maggie and asked, “What’s this?” Before she could process the moment fully, Ryan Seacrest popped up from behind a dresser, where he had been crouching to stay hidden. The group then sang “Happy Birthday” to Vanna before asking if they had successfully surprised her.
“You did,” Vanna replied with a smile, clearly touched by the thoughtful gesture.
Ryan Seacrest’s Painful Dedication to the Surprise
Although the surprise went off without a hitch, Ryan revealed that his effort came at a cost. After hiding for an extended period, he admitted that his knees were feeling the strain.
“I’ve been crouching down there for 45 minutes. My knees are aching,” Seacrest confessed, relieved that the surprise had worked.
Maggie Sajak playfully added, “He’s exhausted,” teasing Ryan about the toll the stunt had taken on him.
A Funny Moment with the Birthday Cake
The celebration took a lighthearted turn when Vanna tried to blow out the candles on her cake, only to struggle. She jokingly accused her co-stars of using “fake candles,” but they quickly reassured her that they were real. The moment was filled with laughter as they exchanged hugs and birthday wishes, wrapping up the surprise on a joyful note.
The Wheel of Fortune team later shared the heartwarming moment on Instagram with the caption:
“We just had to surprise Vanna for her birthday! 🎂 Happiest of birthdays to the one and only, Vanna White!”
Fans Shower Vanna with Birthday Love
As soon as the video was posted, fans flooded the comments with messages of love and appreciation for Vanna White. Many praised her longstanding role on the show, calling her an icon in the world of game shows.
One enthusiastic fan wrote, “HAPPY BORN DAY TO THE WORLD’S BEST LETTER TURNER OF ALL TIME, VANNA WHITE!!!!!”
Another commented, “Happy birthday, Vanna! Love the show with you and Ryan!”
Several viewers also took the opportunity to praise the chemistry between Seacrest and White, with one fan noting, “Ryan and Vanna have awesome chemistry! Y’all are fun together!”
Ryan Seacrest’s New Role on Wheel of Fortune
Ryan Seacrest officially joined Wheel of Fortune as host in September 2024, following Pat Sajak’s departure after an incredible 41-season run. While some of Ryan’s hosting decisions have sparked debate among longtime fans, many have embraced the new era of the show, especially appreciating the dynamic between him and Vanna.
As Vanna continues to be a beloved presence on the show, and with Ryan bringing his signature charm to the role, Wheel of Fortune is entering a fresh chapter while keeping the heart of the show intact.
A Birthday to Remember
Despite his aching knees, Ryan Seacrest’s dedication to making Vanna’s birthday special paid off, creating a memorable and touching moment. With Maggie Sajak joining in on the fun, the celebration was a testament to the strong bonds among the Wheel of Fortune team.
As Vanna White continues to charm audiences with her warmth and grace, her birthday surprise served as a reminder of just how cherished she is—both by her colleagues and by the millions of fans who have watched her over the decades.
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