13 things I learned hanging out at the Wheel of Fortune set

No, Pat isn't friends with Alex Trebek. And no, Vanna doesn't keep her dresses.

Vanna is that you?
(Image credit: Jessica Hullinger/Wheel of Fortune)

When I was in elementary school, my uncle told me he'd met Vanna White on a plane once. I was amazed — and jealous! I had endless questions: What was she like? Was she tall? Was she wearing one of her signature gowns? Did she have an entourage?

Like so many Americans, I grew up adoringly watching Wheel of Fortune. And so, when the show ditched its normal Los Angeles studio to tape several episodes at Madison Square Garden in honor of Wheel's 30th anniversary, I was immediately and completely in.

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Jessica Hullinger

Jessica Hullinger is a writer and former deputy editor of The Week Digital. Originally from the American Midwest, she completed a degree in journalism at Indiana University Bloomington before relocating to New York City, where she pursued a career in media. After joining The Week as an intern in 2010, she served as the title’s audience development manager, senior editor and deputy editor, as well as a regular guest on “The Week Unwrapped” podcast. Her writing has featured in other publications including Popular Science, Fast Company, Fortune, and Self magazine, and she loves covering science and climate-related issues.