Celebrity Extra: Vanna White
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is Vanna White leaving "Wheel of Fortune" when Pat Sajak retires? I'm sad to see him go, but I hope they keep Vanna. -- T.L.
A: "Wheel of Fortune" game show host Pat Sajak recently announced that the next season will be his last. He'll remain as a consultant off camera for three additional years after that, but the question fans are asking is, where does this leave Vanna White?
According to Entertainment Weekly, White is in the process of trying to negotiate a new deal to remain on the show and is also seeking a raise -- her first one in 18 years. A decision about her future with the show is in limbo right now.
"Wheel of Fortune" Co-Host Vanna White. Photo Credit: ABC/Ricky Middlesworth
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Q: Is it true that the TCM (Turner Classic Movies) channel is going away? I really enjoy watching old films on that channel before bed every night. -- J.K.
A: In recent days, it was reported that the TCM channel was downsizing its staff from 90 employees to 20. Fans like yourself, including actor Mark Hamill, feared the worst -- that TCM would be erased from our cable TV guides forever. The news of the layoffs alarmed directors Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson so much that they teamed up for an emergency call about it with Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav.
The trio of respected directors released a statement about their discussions with Zaslav and concluded that "it's clear that TCM and classic cinema are very important to him. Our primary aim is to ensure that TCM's programming is untouched and protected. ... We are committed to working together to ensure the continuation of this cultural touchstone that we all treasure."
After Hamill tweeted that he "can't imagine a world without my all-time favorite station," Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz replied: "You don't have to imagine it. We're not going anywhere." That certainly sounds reassuring. Hopefully, the #SaveTCM social media campaign, combined with the star power behind it, will ensure that the TCM channel remains part of television history for a long time to come.
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Q: When are the Emmy Awards this year? I know the Academy Awards and Grammys are earlier in the year, but I've lost track of the Emmys. -- H.J.
A: Nominations for the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be announced on July 12, with the live ceremony planned for Monday, Sept. 18, on Fox. However, if the WGA Writers Strike isn't resolved by the end of July or early August, there's a good chance the ceremony will be postponed. According to Deadline.com, if that happens, don't expect it to air any earlier than November.
The 50th annual Daytime Emmy Awards were supposed to be telecast on June 16 on CBS, but have been postponed due to the strike as well.
The list of predicted nominees that will be announced on July 12 include the stars of HBO's "Succession" and "The White Lotus," AMC's "Better Call Saul," Hulu's "The Bear," and Showtime's "Yellowjackets," among others. Many are also anticipating that Hollywood legend Carol Burnett, who recently turned 90, is expected to be nominated for her guest-starring role in the final season of "Better Call Saul."
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(c) 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.