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Charlie O’Donnell, Announcer for Decades on ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ Dies at 78

Nov 2, 2010  •  Post A Comment

Charlie O’Donnell, who served as the announcer to "Wheel of Fortune" for 26 years, has died, reports TheWrap.com. He was 78. No cause of death was mentioned.

O’Donnell started his career as the announcer on "American Bandstand," the story says. He also worked as the announcer for special events such as the Academy Awards and the Golden Globe Awards, as well as announcing the Beatles concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and Dodger Stadium in 1965 and 1966, the article notes.

"Heavy hearts at ‘Wheel.’ Our wonderful announcer, Charlie O’Donnell, has passed away. We’re all in a haze right now. More later," wrote "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak on Twitter, the piece says.

O’Donnell is survived by four children, two grandchildren, and his wife Ellen.

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8 Comments

  1. In case you forgot, this is the second Wheel announcer to die on the job. They should pick a young guy like me to step in. I’m only 90.

  2. He died while working?

  3. Charlie was a good friend, and fun to work with on several shows. We crossed paths frequently at our neighborhood Hughes, later became Ralph’s, on Coldwater at Ventura Boulevard. We would exchange information on on-going sales-of-the-day in the store. He ALWAYS knew the best ones! A truely good guy and a complete Pro. R.I.P., Charlie. You’ve earned it.
    Peter Bright

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  6. Charlie’s voice will be missed on the show. Things will sound just a little bit different.

  7. I’m gonna miss hearing him say “Twenty-five thooouuuusand dollars!”

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