Susan Stafford (born January 27, 1944) is an American former model, actress and television host.
She was the original daytime hostess of the American game show Wheel of Fortune from January 6, 1975, until she left on October 22, 1982.
[1][2] Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Stafford grew up in Missouri, and won several beauty contests as a teenager in Kansas City.
Their wedding was attended by John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and SNL producer Lorne Michaels.
[citation needed] During this time, Stafford returned to television in 1988 as host of Alive, which aired on the Christian Broadcasting Network and in syndication.