A Robot Vanna

In the height of “Vannamania,” White released the autobiography “Vanna Speaks,” became a product endorser, and even came out with a doll which sold over 500,000 through the Home Shopping Network. The show’s popularity soared, and so did hers, with people even naming their children after her. She also appeared on the cover of Newsweek magazine, receiving tons of fan letters and media attention. It was during this time that electronics giant Samsung released an ad featuring a robot letter-turner that appeared to be inspired by White. She sued and won.