Charlie O'Donnell, voice of 'Wheel of Fortune', dies at age 78

KentB3

Well-Known Member
Original Poster
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Charlie O'Donnell, the announcer whose voice has opened "Wheel of Fortune" for decades, has died. He was 78.

Agent Fred Wostbrock said Monday that O'Donnell - the voice of the game show even before hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White appeared - died late Sunday at his Los Angeles home.

The cause was unclear.

O'Donnell was a popular radio DJ in New York before starting his television career in Philadelphia with ________ Clark on "American Bandstand."

He also served as announcer for Oscar and Emmy telecasts and other game shows including "The Newlywed Game."

His signature phrase "Wheeeeeeel of Fortune," could be heard on the show from its beginning with host Chuck Woolery in 1975.

He worked on the show until 1980, and again from 1988 until his death.
 

prberk

Well-Known Member
I always appreciate announcers. They have an unassuming job that strives, from the background, to make everyone else look good.

Don Pardo (of Saturday Night Live fame) is in his nineties, and still opening SNL every week.

Charlie was in good company. And I hope that, through his faith, he is announcing for the King today. RIP.
 

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