‘Where Have You Been Hiding Him’: Vanna White’s ‘Gorgeous’ Son Nikko, 30, Ignites Buzz in Rare Video Appearance with Mom

Vanna White | Source: Getty Images

Fans of “Wheel of Fortune” are buzzing over Vanna White’s latest Instagram post, but it’s not the iconic game show host that has everyone talking—it’s her son.

Vanna White’s son, Nikko, has become a hot topic of discussion, thanks to a video she recently shared. The “Wheel of Fortune” host teamed up with her 30-year-old son, whom she shares with ex-husband George Santo Pietro, for a lighthearted cooking session that quickly went viral.

A fan comment dated December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

A fan comment dated December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

In the video posted on Monday, December 2, Vanna and Nikko tackled a family favorite, “Uncle Roy’s Chicken,” as part of “Fabulous Food Week” on the show. Kicking things off with a dose of humility, Vanna confessed, “I’m not a good cook.”

Vanna White and her son Nikko having a cooking session from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Vanna White and her son Nikko having a cooking session from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

She then turned the spotlight on Nikko, proudly declaring him a talented chef who could recreate the dish just as well as Uncle Roy himself. But while Vanna sang praises for Nikko’s culinary skills, fans couldn’t help but notice his looks. Dressed casually in a white T-shirt, jeans, and a backward red baseball cap, Nikko had viewers swooning.

Vanna White and her son Nikko having a cooking session from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Vanna White and her son Nikko having a cooking session from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Comments flooded in, with one fan exclaiming“Wow, Nikko is hot!” Another chimed in“Your son is very handsome,” while someone else joked“Omgee [sic], that’s Nikko??? 😍😍 Where have you been hiding him, Vanna?” Another echoed the sentiment, “Vanna, where have you been hiding Nikko? He’s GORGEOUS 😍.”

Vanna White and her son Nikko having a cooking session from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Vanna White and her son Nikko having a cooking session from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Beyond the compliments, fans also cherished the close bond between the mother and son. “I love the connection you have together,” one user remarked. Others seemed amused, asking questions like, “He is her son????” and humorously suggesting“Is son on the menu too [sic]? 👀”

A fan comment dated December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

A fan comment dated December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Of course, not everyone was entirely distracted by Nikko. Some fans were genuinely inspired by the recipe, vowing to try it at home. One enthusiastic viewer summed it up, “This is so great! I’m going to try this!” For Vanna, the moment was all about sharing family traditions. For the internet, it became a showcase of Nikko’s undeniable charm.

Vanna White's son Nikko showcasing his culinary skills from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Vanna White’s son Nikko showcasing his culinary skills from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

In the video, Vanna took on the role of sous-chef while her son, Nikko, led the way in the kitchen. As they prepared the family recipe, she pitched in by cleaning up and even picked up a few cooking tips from her son. One standout lesson? The proper way to peel ginger—using a spoon, not a knife.

Vanna White and her son Nikko having a cooking session from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Vanna White and her son Nikko having a cooking session from a video posted on December 2, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

The duo also tackled a common kitchen dilemma: how to avoid crying when chopping onions. Nikko wore sunglasses as he sliced the onions, while Vanna tried chewing gum to keep the tears at bay. The playful experiment added a dose of humor to their culinary session, showcasing their fun dynamic as much as their cooking skills.

When she isn’t hosting “Wheel of Fortune” Vanna leads a quiet life away from the spotlight. In a September interview, she described herself as a simple person who prefers low-key activities, such as crocheting and spends much of her free time with her children and her boyfriend.

During the pandemic, life brought her family closer. “Both my kids moved back to Los Angeles when COVID hit,” she revealed. With her children nearby and her boyfriend by her side, family time has become a cherished part of her routine.

Her son Nikko is thriving in the real estate world, proving himself as a determined and hardworking agent. “He’s hungry to make deals close [sic],” she said with pride.

Her daughter, Gigi, a New York University graduate with an art degree, has found her calling as a tattoo artist. Vanna couldn’t be prouder of her creative career path. “She loves putting her art on someone’s body that will be there forever,” she shared, adding that her daughter’s work is amazing.

Vanna White and her daughter Giovanna Santo Pietro attend Vanna's Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood, California on April 20, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

Vanna White and her daughter Giovanna Santo Pietro attend Vanna’s Walk of Fame ceremony in Hollywood, California on April 20, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

For Vanna, her children’s achievements and passions are a source of immense pride, and she doesn’t hold back when it comes to celebrating their successes.

In June, she celebrated a big milestone for her son Nikko—his 30th birthday. To mark the occasion, she shared rare photos of him, leaving fans swooning over his striking looks. Many commented on his appearance, noting the strong resemblance he shares with his famous mother.

Vanna White and her son, Nikko Santo Pietro posing for a picture, posted on June 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Vanna White and her son, Nikko Santo Pietro posing for a picture, posted on June 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Vanna’s post showed two photos—with one placed above the other—of her and Nikko. The first image displayed a throwback moment of the mother and son when Nikko was just a baby. As he looks up at his mom with curious eyes, Vanna strokes his tiny face gently with her index finger.

Vanna White with Nikko Santo Pietro when he was just a baby, posted on June 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

Vanna White with Nikko Santo Pietro when he was just a baby, posted on June 10, 2024 | Source: Instagram/officialvannawhite

The photo below the baby picture shows Vanna and Nikko standing side by side as they pose for the camera. This image shows Nikko all grown up, towering over Vanna and emulating her charming smile.

“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!” she captioned the post.

Flooding the comment section of the post with nothing but love and well wishes, Vanna’s fans were quick to praise Nikko. They also marveled at the striking resemblance he shares with his doting mom.

“Happy special 30th birthday to your very awesome and very handsome son ❤️🎂🥰☀️,” swooned an admirer. Another, who was surprised by how much Nikko has grown, expressed“Wow he’s 30?! Both of you look amazing. Miss you Vanna❤️.”

“Happy Birthday to Nikko 🎂🎊🎉 Wow you both resemble each other so much!! ❤️❤️” wrote a fan. Someone else complimented“He has mom’s good looks.” Echoing the sentiment, another admirer gushed“He is as handsome as you are beautiful! Great smile!!!”

While Vanna’s fans may know her from watching the TV personality on their screens, from her perspective and that of Nikko and his sister, Gigi, she is simply known as mom.

“I’m just like any other mother. Actually, I think I’m more of a mother because I grew up in the south, baking cookies and all of that. I’m just a mom,” Vanna previously said in an interview from 2014.

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The game show hostess, who continued to work on “Wheel of Fortune” until her pregnancies, went on to explain, “I’ve been famous their whole life so they don’t think anything of it.” However, Vanna also recalled moments when Nikko and Gigi recognized her stardom.

It happened once her kids saw her star in an infomercial and when she appeared as a guest star in “Full House.” “It was totally out of sorts for them. ‘Wheel of Fortune’? Oh, well. They see that every day!” Vanna joked.

The beloved star also recalled fond memories of her time spent at the Hilton Waikoloa during the taping of “Wheel of Fortune.” During the same 2014 interview, she also mentioned that the last time she had been on the island was when Nikko was just 18 months old.

“It’s fun to come back because I remember walking down the corridor and I remember looking down and there were these little lizards and I’d be walking with him,” Vanna disclosed.

Vanna White and Nikko Santo Pietro at the 65th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade in Hollywood, California on December 1, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Vanna White and Nikko Santo Pietro at the 65th Annual Hollywood Christmas Parade in Hollywood, California on December 1, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Nikko has come a long way since being the tiny tot who would travel with his mom for her jobs. According to his LinkedIn profile, the 30-year-old is now a real estate agent, an investor, and a Spark Family Office’s LA Ambassador.