Charlie O’Donnell (August 12, 1932 – October 31, 2010) was an American television announcer best known for his work on Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune and other game shows
O’Donnell may be best known as the announcer for Wheel of Fortune. He filled this role from 1975 to 1980, acted as a substitute for his successor, Jack Clark, and returned to the show permanently several months after Clark’s death in 1988, and continued with the show until his death in 2010. M.G. Kelly briefly served as announcer between Clark and O’Donnell.
Among the game show companies O’Donnell had worked for as a primary announcer were Stefan Hatos-Monty Hall Productions (1973-1977), Merv Griffin Enterprises/Sony Pictures Television (1975-80 and 1989-2010), Barry & Enright Productions (1981-86), and Barris Industries (1986-89). He has also announced game shows for Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Productions (Card Sharks, Trivia Trap, Family Feud, To Tell the Truth); Bob Stewart Productions, and for Hill-Eubanks Group’s All Star Secrets and The Guinness Game. He and John Harlan filled in for Rod Roddy on different occasions on Press Your Luck.
Death of Charlie O’Donnell
Charlie O’Donnell in his sleep from heart failure, at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. Charlie O’Donnell was 78 years old at the time of his death