5 Surprising Facts About Vanna White's 'H-O-T' Son, Nikko Santo Pietro, Who Went Viral In 2024

The curiosity surrounding Vanna White's son, Nicholas "Nikko" Santo Pietro, reached a fever pitch in late 2024 when a casual cooking video with his famous mother turned the 31-year-old into an unexpected internet sensation and a viral "thirst trap." Fans of the long-time *Wheel of Fortune* co-host, who often keeps her family life private, were captivated by the handsome and talented young man. This article, updated in December 2025, dives deep into the life, career, and latest news about Nikko, revealing the man behind the viral moment and his multifaceted life outside of the Hollywood spotlight.

Far from being just a celebrity child, Nikko Santo Pietro has carved out a unique and impressive career path that blends his passion for food, agriculture, and art. The son of television royalty and a successful restaurateur, he represents a new generation focused on creative entrepreneurship. As of his 31st birthday, Nikko continues to balance his professional endeavors with his personal life, offering rare glimpses into his world that keep fans engaged and wanting to know more.

Nicholas 'Nikko' Santo Pietro: A Complete Biography and Profile

Nicholas John Santo Pietro, known as Nikko, is the eldest child of *Wheel of Fortune* star Vanna White and her ex-husband, businessman George Santo Pietro. His life has been a blend of Hollywood lineage and a grounded, creative upbringing.

• Full Name: Nicholas John Santo Pietro
• Nickname: Nikko
• Date of Birth: June 10, 1994
• Age: 31 (as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Parents: Vanna White (Mother, TV Personality) and George Santo Pietro (Father, Businessman/Restaurateur)
• Sibling: Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro (Younger Sister, Tattoo Artist)
• Education: Attended The University of Arizona; Graduated from Oregon State University (majoring in Agriculture)
• Known For: Professional Chef, Artist, Television Personality, and Viral Internet Sensation
• Current Job: Business Development and Special Projects Manager at Melissa's Produce

1. The Viral 'Thirst Trap' Moment That Launched His Fame

The biggest recent development in Nikko's public profile was his unexpected surge to internet stardom in late 2024. The phenomenon began when Vanna White posted a spontaneous Instagram video of her son cooking white wine clams in their kitchen. The video, intended as a fun family moment, quickly went viral. Fans were immediately captivated, flooding the comments section with praise for the "H-O-T" chef, coining the phrase "Vanna White's hot son," and dubbing the post a pure "thirst trap."

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This viral moment exposed Nikko to a massive new audience outside of his mother's *Wheel of Fortune* fan base. It also highlighted the close, fun-loving relationship between mother and son, as Vanna White happily embraced the attention, even posting follow-up cooking videos with her son on social media. The sudden fame led to interviews and appearances, including a segment on *The Drew Barrymore Show*, where they demonstrated how to make fire-roasted salsa, further cementing his status as a charismatic television personality.

2. Nikko’s Dual Career as a Professional Chef and Produce Expert

While his viral fame revolves around his good looks and kitchen skills, Nikko Santo Pietro is a genuinely accomplished professional chef and a serious player in the agriculture industry. His cooking is more than a hobby; it’s a passion that has been showcased on national television.

However, his primary professional focus leverages his degree from Oregon State University. Nikko holds a degree in Agriculture and has put it to practical use in the produce industry. He works as a Business Development and Special Projects Manager at Melissa's Produce, a major fresh fruit and vegetable purveyor. This role involves him in the fascinating intersection of food, business, and supply chain management, proving he is building a substantial career that is entirely his own. This work even gives him a surprising connection to the world of reality television, as Melissa’s Produce is the company featured in the Netflix reality series, *Buying Beverly Hills*.

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3. The Latest Update on His Relationship Status

Following his internet sensation status, one of the most burning questions from fans was whether Vanna White's son was single. The answer, as of late 2024, is a definitive no. Nikko Santo Pietro confirmed he is officially "off the market" and "seeing someone." While he has kept the identity of his partner private, the news was enough to cause a collective sigh of disappointment among his newfound admirers, though many were happy for the young celebrity. This update was a key piece of information that emerged during the height of his viral fame, demonstrating that his personal life is as stable as his professional one.

4. The Santo Pietro Family Dynamic and His Close Bond with Gigi

Nikko is incredibly close to his mother and his younger sister, Giovanna "Gigi" Santo Pietro. Vanna White often speaks of her pride in both of her children, emphasizing the importance of a strong work ethic, a value she instilled in both Nikko and Gigi.

Gigi, like her brother, is a talented artist, though she chose a different medium: she is a successful LA tattoo artist. The siblings share a strong bond, often appearing on their mother's social media and supporting each other's creative careers. Their father, George Santo Pietro, a successful restaurateur, maintains an amicable relationship with Vanna White after their divorce in 2002 and remains a close part of his children's lives. Nikko himself confirmed that his father still watches *Wheel of Fortune*, highlighting the healthy co-parenting dynamic within the family.

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5. Nikko is Also an Accomplished Artist and Traveler

Beyond his work in the produce industry and his kitchen skills, Nikko Santo Pietro is also recognized as a talented artist. He shares this creative gene with his mother and sister, who is a professional tattoo artist. This artistic side is a lesser-known but significant part of his identity.

In addition to his creative pursuits, Nikko is an avid traveler. His social media often features stunning photography from his journeys, which highlights his adventurous spirit and appreciation for different cultures and landscapes. This blend of professional agriculture expertise, culinary talent, artistic expression, and a love for travel makes Nicholas "Nikko" Santo Pietro a truly multifaceted and intriguing personality. He is a prime example of a celebrity child who has successfully leveraged his upbringing and education to forge a unique and grounded path, proving that he is much more than just "Vanna White's son."