Vanna White, the beloved co-host of Wheel of Fortune, recently stepped out for a city outing with her 30-year-old son, Nikko Santo Pietro, capturing the hearts of fans with their close bond and his striking appearance. Sharing a snapshot from their time together, Vanna posted about their stop for a classic bagel and schmear, inviting her followers to share their favorite bagel choices.
At 68, Vanna exuded her timeless elegance, donning a chic black jacket and a vibrant scarf, while Nikko looked effortlessly stylish in a gray houndstooth blazer over a crisp white shirt. His dapper look quickly became a topic of conversation, with fans commenting on his resemblance to his mother. Some remarked on how much he looked like Vanna, while others were simply taken aback by his movie-star looks, pointing out his bright smile—something he undoubtedly inherited from his famous mom.
This isn’t the first time Nikko has captured public attention. The young real estate investor and entrepreneur has been a topic of discussion in recent months, particularly after a cooking video featuring him and Vanna went viral. In December 2024, the mother-son duo teamed up to prepare a family favorite, “Uncle Roy’s Chicken,” as part of Wheel of Fortune‘s “Fabulous Food Week.”
Before diving into the recipe, Vanna humorously admitted that she wasn’t the best cook, before proudly introducing Nikko as a talented chef who could whip up the dish just as well as their Uncle Roy. While the segment was meant to showcase their love for food and family traditions, fans were quick to shift their focus to Nikko himself. His casual, effortless style—a white T-shirt, jeans, and a backward red baseball cap—had viewers swooning.
Social media flooded with compliments, with one fan exclaiming, “Wow, Nikko is hot!” Others chimed in with admiration, calling him “handsome” and jokingly asking Vanna where she had been hiding him all these years. Some even playfully wondered if Nikko was “on the menu” as they admired his charm.
While Nikko’s looks may have stolen the show, many fans also appreciated the sweet dynamic between him and Vanna. Viewers loved seeing their fun-loving relationship, as they tackled common kitchen dilemmas, like how to properly peel ginger using a spoon instead of a knife. The two also experimented with ways to prevent tearing up while chopping onions, with Nikko donning sunglasses and Vanna chewing gum to test out different solutions.
Outside of the occasional viral moment, Vanna has spoken about leading a low-key life when she’s not on Wheel of Fortune. In a 2024 interview, she described herself as a simple person who enjoys crocheting, spending time with her children, and sharing quiet moments with her longtime boyfriend. She also reflected on how the pandemic brought her family closer, as both of her children moved back to Los Angeles when COVID-19 hit.
Nikko has since made a name for himself in the real estate world, establishing himself as a determined and hardworking agent. His mother beams with pride when talking about his career, describing him as “hungry to make deals close.” Meanwhile, his sister, Gigi, has pursued a career as a tattoo artist after graduating from New York University with an art degree. Vanna has shared how proud she is of Gigi’s passion for her craft, noting that her daughter loves the idea of putting her art permanently onto someone’s body.
Vanna has never shied away from celebrating her children’s accomplishments, and in June 2024, she marked a special milestone—Nikko’s 30th birthday. She shared a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a rare throwback photo of herself with baby Nikko, alongside a present-day image of them standing side by side. In the caption, she expressed her love and admiration for the man he has become, writing, “30 years ago today, my baby boy was born. Happy birthday @nikkoshow! I am so proud of the amazing young man you have become! I love you with all my heart!”
The post quickly attracted attention from fans, who not only wished Nikko a happy birthday but also couldn’t help but comment on his striking resemblance to his mom. Many noted how “handsome” he is and how he shares his mother’s signature smile. Others were amazed that he had already turned 30, expressing their admiration for both mother and son.
Though Vanna has spent decades in the public eye, her children have grown up with a unique perspective on fame. She once shared that while they always knew she was famous, they didn’t think much of it until they saw her outside of Wheel of Fortune. She recalled moments when they watched her appear in an infomercial or a guest spot on Full House, realizing that their mother wasn’t just someone who spun letters on TV.
As a mother, Vanna cherishes her time with her children, always putting them first despite her busy career. Looking back on their childhood, she fondly remembers traveling with Nikko when he was just a toddler, recalling the simple joys of walking with him and watching him observe the world around him.
Now, at 30, Nikko has carved his own path, balancing his career in real estate with his interests in cooking and investing. According to his LinkedIn profile, he currently works as a real estate agent, an investor, and an ambassador for Spark Family Office’s LA division.
From his charming on-screen presence to his growing professional success, Nikko continues to make an impression, not just as Vanna White’s son, but as an accomplished and charismatic individual in his own right. While fans may be smitten with his good looks, Vanna remains most proud of the kind, hardworking, and loving son she has raised.