Adriana Xenides

Infobox actor
name = Adriana Xenides


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birthdate = 1956
birthplace = Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Adriana Xenides (born 1956 in Buenos Aires, Argentina) is an Australian television personality, notable for her long-running appearance as assistant host on "Wheel of Fortune". She is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest running game show host, having appeared as assistant host on "Wheel of Fortune" for 18 years [http://www.saxton.com.au/default.asp?nc8=100&sc8=141&sd8=2060] . However, that record has been broken by Vanna White as of 2001 — she has now hosted the show for 25 years. Xenides first appeared on "Wheel of Fortune" at the age of 22.

Later television appearances were as a panelist on panel talk show "Beauty and the Beast", and the Australian version of "Celebrity Big Brother Australia" during 2002.

Dangerous driving

Xenides was charged in 2005 with dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm as she was alleged to have caused a head-on crash, seriously injuring herself and the other driver [ [http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,19265397-2,00.html Police chase 'Wheel' ex-host | NEWS.com.au ] ] . A warrant was issued for her arrest as she failed to present to the court. She later contested the charge by pleading not guilty, blaming a sneezing attack and glare [http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21987161-5006301,00.html Adelaide Advertiser Adriana on driving charge] . The court was also told that Xenides was suffering from depression. She had faced a maximum sentence of seven years in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 and an automatic disqualification of her licence for three years. After she changed her plea to guilty the court decided against imposing a fine because of Xenides' financial situation and reduced the automatic disqualification because she requires a licence to carry out her current work as an aged carer [ [http://www.smh.com.au/news/people/fortune-runs-out-for-xenides/2006/09/12/1157826921599.html Fortune runs out for Xenides - People - Entertainment - smh.com.au ] ] . She was disqualified from driving for 18 months and placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond in September 2006.

In June 2007 Xenides again faced court on further charges, accused of driving while under suspension [http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,21987161-5006301,00.html Adelaide Advertiser Adriana on driving charge] . The court was told Xenides was now a disability pensioner.

Adriana appeared on the Today Tonight program in July 2007 claiming to have a digestive disorder which bloats her abdomen to the size of a 9 month pregnant woman. Doctors are unsure about the prognosis for the disease which is thought to be genetic. She also claimed that the reason she drove her car while under suspension was so that she could get medication for the disease to prevent extreme pain. Adriana also admitted to having controversial shock treatment for her depression which was of no help to her.

Bibliography

* "The Silver Dog and the Bear" (1997), ISBN 0-9587146-0-6

Filmography

* "Golden Fiddles" (1991), as Estelle Drayford

References