I moved to Los Angeles in January of 1980. My girlfriend, Belinda, and I rented a 20 foot U Haul truck and put all of our belongings in the back. I had never driven a truck before! It took us three days to travel across the United States. What an adventure! I remember eating Vienna Sausage and crackers for one of our meals. We were on a budget! I had about $1,000 to my name. When we got to LA, we rented a 2-bedroom apartment that required first and last month's rent which equaled $500.00 each. I also bought a white Pinto for $500.00 so there went all of my money! I immediately got a job as a waitress and started going on auditions and attending acting classes. I really wanted to make it in Hollywood! After close to three years of struggling, Merv Griffin hired me for Wheel of Fortune in November of 1982. My friend Belinda wanted to work for the government, and she did! Determination will get you everywhere!
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1980: Moving to LA
I moved to Los Angeles in January of 1980. My girlfriend, Belinda, and I rented a 20 foot U Haul truck and put all of our belongings in the back. I had never driven a truck before! It took us three days to travel across the United States. What an adventure! I remember eating Vienna Sausage and crackers for one of our meals. We were on a budget! I had about $1,000 to my name. When we got to LA, we rented a 2-bedroom apartment that required first and last month's rent which equaled $500.00 each. I also bought a white Pinto for $500.00 so there went all of my money! I immediately got a job as a waitress and started going on auditions and attending acting classes. I really wanted to make it in Hollywood! After close to three years of struggling, Merv Griffin hired me for Wheel of Fortune in November of 1982. My friend Belinda wanted to work for the government, and she did! Determination will get you everywhere!
Vanna
That is a great story, one that found you a job of a lifetime. I remember seeing pictures of your first car that your dad gave you. What do you drive now?
Bob
You have a very inspirational story. Thanks for sharing it. You do have a good life now.
I remember this from your book Vanna Speaks. It was a very intresting story to read! You should write another book of your life now!
Where can i get the dresses you wore in Hawaii shows past summer.I am unable to find unique beach dresses...I just love them ...please Help:)))
HI I SEE YOUR SHOW VERY NIGHT AND DO THE GAMES OVER COMPUTER.
THANK YOU VIRGINIA
Along with determination comes faith. You had to have a lot of faith, to make a move across the country like that!! I enjoy watching you and Pat on "Wheel of Fortune!"
Thanks for sharing your wonderful and inspiring story!!
Hello Vanna,
I WOULD like to wish you such a wonderful day.
jamie
Hi Vanna,
My sister and I left WI for Los Angeles in 1961; she on the map and I on the wheel. Took only our personal belonging in the car as we were only in our early 20's. We arrived at rush hour late in afternoon, never having been on a major freeway system. Drove to the Gaylord Hotel which was across from the Coconut Grove and within 3 days, moved into an apartment on Normandy. She had been transfered by her employer, and I luckily found office employment with a WI company on Wilshire Blvd within one week's time. I can relate to your trip at your early age. ha.
Vanna, your story is very inspiring. To just step out on a dream. That is dedication and passion. I have recently done the same thing in my attempt to make it in the field of broadcasting. Hopefully my story has as great an outcome as yours did. Keep smiling and being beautiful. I have enjoyed watching you and Pat from as far back as I can remember. Maybe one day I will make it to the show.
Vanna I remember watching you as a little girl - I've always admired you and as an adult I really admire the way you've kept it together through the years!! You go girl!
Hi Vanna I remember when you had your first child
I always admired you.
I remember the day you got the job of a lifetime. John was in N.Y. and you were calling everyone you knew. What fun memories.
Hi Vanna.
I'm pretty sure that Belinda is Belinda B. She was a sorority sister of mine at Ole Miss. i was always fascinated by her eyelashes (do I have the right Belinda?)I would love to know what she's up to now. Congratulations of all of your success.
FB
I just think that you were destined for greatness and when your destiny is in Gods hands take the chance. I did something similar when I left Wyoming and moved to California in 1985 but my goal was to be a chaplain at Loma Linda University Medical Hospital. I was able to get that position and then went on to get my Masters of Social Work at the age of 55. Anything is possible...BB