George Santo Pietro: Vanna White’s ex-husband
George Santo Pietro is an American businessman and real estate developer who is best known as the ex-husband of Wheel of Fortune hostess Vanna White. The two had a high-profile relationship and marriage in the 1990s before divorcing in 2002. Here is an overview of George Santo Pietro’s life and his marriage to Vanna White.
Early Life and Career
George Santo Pietro was born in 1947 in Beverly Hills, California. He came from a wealthy family – his father was a movie producer and his mother was a socialite. Pietro got involved in real estate development and became a successful businessman, focusing on developing luxury properties in California. read more here – https://businessreviewit.com/george-santo-pietro-vanna-whites-ex-husband/
In the 1980s, at the height of his career, Pietro was considered one of the most eligible bachelors in Hollywood. He dated several actresses and models before meeting Vanna White.
Relationship and Marriage to Vanna White
George Santo Pietro and Vanna White met at a party in Los Angeles in 1987. At the time, White was at the peak of her fame as the hostess turning letters on Wheel of Fortune. The two began dating soon after meeting.
In December 1990, Pietro proposed to White with a 12-carat diamond ring. Their lavish wedding took place in April 1993 at the Beverly Hills Hotel. It was attended by over 500 guests, including Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak.
White and Pietro had a lavish lifestyle together in Beverly Hills. They had two children – a son, Nicholas, born in 1994, and a daughter, Giovanna, born in 1997.
However, the marriage ran into problems over time. Some media reports alleged that Pietro had engaged in extramarital affairs. He also reportedly disapproved of White continuing her work on Wheel of Fortune after they had children.
Divorce from Vanna White
In May 2002, after nearly 10 years of marriage, Vanna White filed for divorce from George Santo Pietro. Their divorce proceedings took over a year to finalize.
The divorce settlement required Pietro to pay White over $1 million per year in alimony. White retained primary custody of their two children.
By all accounts, the divorce was acrimonious. In a 2003 interview, White described Pietro as a “sadistic abuser” and said she was “much happier” after the divorce.
Pietro contested the amount of alimony payments but eventually reached a settlement with White. He also gave up the couple’s 20,000 square foot mansion as part of the settlement.
Life after Divorce
After divorcing Vanna White, George Santo Pietro returned his focus to real estate development. He continues to work in luxury property development in California to this day.
Pietro remarried in 2004 to his third wife, Melissa Mascari, with whom he has a daughter. He maintains a relatively low profile compared to his days with Vanna White.
Vanna White did not remarry after divorcing Pietro. She continues her iconic hosting duties on Wheel of Fortune and has described her divorce as a learning experience.
White and Pietro maintain a civil relationship as they co-parent their two children, now adults. By all accounts, both have moved on comfortably with their lives after their high-profile divorce.
Conclusion
The marriage between George Santo Pietro and Vanna White captivated pop culture fans in the 1990s. Their lavish life together and messy divorce provided plenty of headlines. While their union did not last, they maintain a cordial relationship today as they jointly parent their grown children. Both have continued their successful careers, with Pietro in real estate and White as the enduring face of Wheel of Fortune. Their high-profile relationship stands as an intriguing saga of marriage, divorce, and moving on in Hollywood.
