Vanna White First Husband: Inside Her Marriage to George Santo Pietro

Many fans still search for information about Vanna White’s first husband because her early marriage played a meaningful role in her personal story long before she became a household name on Wheel of Fortune. Vanna White’s first husband was restaurateur and filmmaker George Santo Pietro, a man who shared her life during some of her biggest career moments and most difficult personal experiences. Their relationship, though private in many ways, left a lasting imprint on both of their lives. This article explores who he is, how they met, their marriage, the challenges they faced, and how both moved forward after their divorce.

Who Is George Santo Pietro?

George Santo Pietro is an American restaurateur, businessman, and occasional film director who became well known in Hollywood circles during the 1980s and 1990s. Born in 1946, he built a successful career through high-end restaurants frequented by actors, producers, and industry insiders. His establishments—such as the renowned Sushi-Ko and another Italian restaurant he owned—often attracted elite clientele, placing him at the center of Los Angeles’ social and entertainment scene.

In addition to restaurant ownership, Santo Pietro worked behind the scenes in television and film production. His involvement with Hollywood, combined with his charismatic personality, earned him long-standing respect as both an entrepreneur and creative contributor. Although he remains largely private today, his name continues to surface due to his past marriage to one of television’s most beloved game-show figures.

How Vanna White and George Santo Pietro Met

Vanna White and George Santo Pietro met in the late 1980s through mutual friends in Los Angeles. At the time, White was rising rapidly in fame as the co-host and letter-turner of Wheel of Fortune, having joined the show in 1982. She quickly became a pop-culture icon, admired for her charm, elegance, and connection with audiences.

The couple’s initial connection grew naturally from shared social circles and common interests. Santo Pietro’s involvement in Hollywood as a restaurateur placed him in many of the same events and gatherings that White attended. Their relationship progressed steadily, and by 1990, the pair married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by family and friends.

Their marriage came at a time when White’s career was flourishing, and despite her growing fame, Santo Pietro remained a steady, grounded presence in her life.

Inside Their Marriage

Vanna White and George Santo Pietro enjoyed a loving and relatively private marriage throughout the 1990s. Though White regularly appeared on television, she always maintained strong boundaries between her public persona and personal life. Santo Pietro was often supportive behind the scenes, joining her at occasional events but largely avoiding the spotlight.

During their marriage, White balanced her demanding Wheel of Fortune schedule with home life, while Santo Pietro oversaw his restaurant businesses and pursued creative endeavors. Friends of the couple described their relationship as affectionate and mutually supportive. They enjoyed traveling, spending quality time at home, and building a stable foundation for their future family.

Though White was a celebrity, their marriage was grounded in normalcy, with both prioritizing family and shared values over Hollywood glamour.

Tragedy and Challenges in Their Relationship

One of the most difficult chapters of their marriage occurred in 1992 when Vanna White publicly announced her pregnancy on Wheel of Fortune. Her excitement and joy were shared by millions of viewers who had grown to feel connected to her over the years. Tragically, shortly after the announcement, White suffered a miscarriage.

The loss was devastating, both emotionally and physically. White later spoke about this period in interviews, describing it as one of the hardest moments of her life. The couple leaned on one another for support, showing resilience and unity in the face of heartbreak. Public sympathy poured in, as many admired White’s honesty and vulnerability during such a painful time.

Despite the tragedy, they continued trying to build their family, and their shared grief appeared to bring them closer—at least temporarily.

Divorce and the End of the Marriage

After more than a decade together, Vanna White and George Santo Pietro began to drift apart. Their split was not accompanied by public scandal but rather marked by incompatibilities that developed over time. In 2002, the couple officially divorced after 12 years of marriage.

White later revealed that although their marriage had been filled with love, they ultimately grew in different directions. The divorce was handled respectfully and quietly, especially considering White’s high public profile. Both prioritized maintaining stability for their children rather than fueling gossip or publicity.

Their separation marked the end of a significant chapter in White’s life, one that included joy, tragedy, fame, and growth.

Co-Parenting and Life After Divorce

Despite their divorce, Vanna White and George Santo Pietro remained dedicated co-parents to their two children: son Nicholas (Niko), born in 1994, and daughter Giovanna (Gigi), born in 1997. White has often expressed gratitude for Santo Pietro’s role as a father, commenting that they work well together in raising their children and maintaining a respectful post-divorce relationship.

Their co-parenting approach reflects mutual understanding and shared priorities, allowing their children to grow up in a loving, supportive environment even after their parents separated.

Following the divorce, Santo Pietro continued his business ventures and maintained a quiet, private lifestyle. Meanwhile, White continued her work on Wheel of Fortune, further solidifying her legacy as one of television’s most dependable and enduring personalities.

Vanna White Today

In the years since her divorce from George Santo Pietro, Vanna White has embraced a fulfilling new chapter of her life. She has been in long-term relationships since then, most notably with contractor John Donaldson, whom she began dating in 2012 after being introduced by friends. Their partnership remains strong, and White has often spoken about how comfortable and natural their relationship feels.

Today, White continues to appear on Wheel of Fortune, maintaining the warmth and elegance that viewers have cherished for decades. She also enjoys hobbies such as crocheting, charity work, and spending time with her children.

Reflecting on her first marriage, White has said that every experience—both joyful and challenging—helped shape the woman she became. Her journey with Santo Pietro remains an important part of her personal history.

A Quiet but Meaningful Hollywood Love Story

The story of Vanna White and her first husband George Santo Pietro offers a rare look at a Hollywood relationship that remained grounded, respectful, and meaningful despite fame and hardship. Their marriage brought love, shared dreams, and two beautiful children, and while it did not last forever, it played a defining role in White’s life journey.