I love to watch Wheel of Fortune, as million of Americans do, according to the ratings and the length of time the program has been on the air. See how much you know about Vanna and Pat by answering the following questions. Have fun!
1. What was the original name of the show? The Wheel of Fortune; The Shopping Game; The Wheel of Shopping; Shoppers Bazaar.
2. That famous wheel looks pretty heavy and hard to spin. How much do you think it weighs? 1,000 pounds; 1,500 pounds; 2,200 pounds; 2,400 pounds.
3. How many gowns do you think Vanna has worn? 3,000; 4,800; 5,700, 6,100.
4. How many shows are taped each day? 5-6; 2-3; 3-5; 4-6.
5. Today’s puzzle board is made up of touch screen television monitors. How many do you think are waiting for Vanna’s touch to turn them on their sides? 40; 48; 52; 60?
6. What was the first letter Vanna ever turned over? L; N; R; S; or T.
7. What has been the biggest payout in cash and prizes? $1,026,080; $1,041,050; $1,053,013; over 2 million.
ANSWERS
1. Shoppers Bazaar. 2. Believe it or not, 2,400 pounds. The wheel is equipped with more than 200 computerized lights, which can turn up to 2 million different colors. It gets its “rat-a-tat” sound from 73 stainless steel pins that fly past three hard rubber “flippers.” 3. As of April 16, 2013, Vanna has worn 5,700 gowns - the co-host has never repeated a dress on the show. And no, she does not get to keep them. Also, Pat’s tie always matches. 4. Five to six shows are taped daily. More than 10,000 people try out every year, however, fewer than 600 get a chance to stand in front of Vanna and guess a letter. 5. Vanna White controls a high-tech wonder featuring 52-touch screen televisions turned on their sides. There are 12 across in the top and bottom rows and 14 across in the two middle rows. 6. The first letter Vanna ever turned over was a “T”. 7. The biggest payout was $1,026,080 in cash and prizes. Michelle Loewenstein is the lucky contestant who holds this title. In October 2008, she won $1 million in the bonus round, upping her payout to over $1 million.