Voice Behind 'Wheeeeeeel of Fortune' Dies at 78

By PopEater Staff Posted Nov 2nd 2010 06:35AM

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 Dick 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.

Tags: Charlie ODonnell, wheel of fortune

Comments

(16)

Tuesday 02 November

By Zero

Lowest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

OMG, I never realized there was a voice behind WOF. I hope he prerecorded the funeral ceremony announcement.

By will

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Dear Zero...your screen name must match your IQ.

Vote down Vote up Report this

Actually you are correct Will, I used to be really smarter than everybody and became severely bias developing a defect in concentrating that will not allow me to concentrate to take an IQ test My hair is a different shade of blonde that is beyond blonde and I'm just naturally dumb.

By wekkw

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..I love this , So does My boyfriend .he is almost 11year older than me .i met him via age'lessmate.c'om a nice place for seeking age le ss love.which gives you a chance to make your life better and open opportunities for you to meet the attractive young girls and treat you like a king. Maybe you wanna check it out or tell your friends..

By JudyB

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

We can all take consolation in the fact that you are intelligent enough to realize how dumb you really are. That is not the case in most stupid people. From the bottom of our hearts, I say "Thank You".

By Margaret Leonardi

I had the opportunity to attend many tapings of Wheel in LA and NY and Mr. O'Donnell was such a nice man. The first taping my son and I went to was 9 years ago. He was 11 and we were sitting near another young man around his age. Well, Mr. O'D. chatted with them for quite a while and also gave them each a few dollars for answering some questions. Another time I went with my husband and he gave him a WOF exclusive t-shirt. Heaven just received a great voice and wonderfully funny man. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace Mr. O'D., you will be greatly missed!

By rocco220

Wow, I remember meeting him outside American Bandstand in Phila I guess I was about 10 then. I still have a picture of him with my sister. We were just taking about American Bandstand on Saturday nite. He was a really nice person, caring friendly and always had time for a fan.
RIP Charlie O'Donnell

By RYAN

What a great voice that guy had......Ive always wanted to be a voice over guy,Ive looked into it and simply do not know where to begin...RIP sir.

By Chuck

He will be missed. I don't think the Wheel will be the same without the little friendly jabs between him and Pat.

By JAY

Charlie helped make "WHEEL" the great show it is, especially his interrelations with Pat & Vanna On-Air. Thank You, Charlie and Rest In Peace. YOU WILL BE MISSED!

By Tracie Smith

So sad. Whoever they get to replace him on the show, has some big shoes to fill.
Prayers for the family and friends.

By carol

so sorry to hear that pat use to always joke with him,
what happened to the guy that use to be on the price is right i miss him, now they have someone new all the time , again i'm so sorry,

If it's Rod Roddy, he's dead too.

By Gary Narberes

I had the priviledge of meeting him during a break in taping back in 1990. He was soooo down to earth, a real nice guy who was quick to engage in conversation.
My thoughts, prayers and condolences to his family, may he rest in peace!

By Louis

Just when all the woes of the world have befallen you, terrible news like this breaks. I hope the highly overworked and underpaid Vanna White isn't called upon to help out with the announcing now. She already has the toughest job in the world. But fortunately for her, they haven't outsourced her job. I would hate to see her on the unemployment line. Her poor hands must be so sore and arthritic by now. What a miserable job and life!

By Ralph Kramdon

Ain't funny, MaGee

Page 1 of 1