The Bland Appeal of Ryan Seacrest: He Adds Host of Wheel of Fortune to His Extensive Resume

It’s been about a month now since Ryan Seacrest took over as host of Wheel of Fortune after Pat Sajak’s retirement last June. Sajak had hosted the show for 43 record-breaking years. Meanwhile, Vanna White, the world’s most famous letter-turner (actually, she has only had to touch them to light them up for several years — ah, technology!), has stayed on, saying, “I’m not ready yet.” Ready for what, Vanna? Her lack of ambition hasn’t gotten in the way of her fortunes; her net worth is said to be $85 million.

But back to Ryan. At age 49, Seacrest’s net worth is estimated to be $450 million. He started out in radio and then got some hosting gigs on short-lived television shows in the ’90s before landing his big break as co-host with Brian Dunkleman on American Idol in 2002. Dunkleman inexplicably left after the first season and American Idol went on to become one of the biggest hits of all time. After its run on FOX, ABC picked it up. It still airs on ABC and Seacrest still hosts.

In 2005, Seacrest became the executive producer and permanent replacement host for New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, formerly Dick Clark’s perch.

As if he didn’t have enough to do, when Michael Strahan abruptly left Live With Kelly Ripa in 2017, a contest was held to find a…