Television Personality. He was best known as the longtime announcer for the popular TV game show "Wheel of Fortune" (1975 to 1980, 1988 until his death). Born in Philadelphia, his lengthy career in the entertainment industry began in radio during the 1950s, when he established himself as a successful disk jockey with WOR-FM in New York. His big break in television came in 1958, when he was selected to become the voice of the program "American Bandstand", hosted by O'Donnell's friend Dick Clark. He would remain with the series for ten years, finding his niche during the 1970s, as an announcer for numerous game shows including "The Gong Show," "The Joker's Wild," "The Newlywed Game" and "To Tell The Truth." In 1975, O'Donnell began serving his first stint as announcer on "Wheel of Fortune" (at the time hosted by Chuck Woolery); he returned in 1988 replacing popular TV personality Jack Clark after his death. In addition, he was the announcer for The Beatles at The Hollywood Bowl and Dodger Stadium in 1965, and worked on "The Academy Awards," "The Golden Globe Awards" and "The Emmy Awards."
Television Personality. He was best known as the longtime announcer for the popular TV game show "Wheel of Fortune" (1975 to 1980, 1988 until his death). Born in Philadelphia, his lengthy career in the entertainment industry began in radio during the 1950s, when he established himself as a successful disk jockey with WOR-FM in New York. His big break in television came in 1958, when he was selected to become the voice of the program "American Bandstand", hosted by O'Donnell's friend Dick Clark. He would remain with the series for ten years, finding his niche during the 1970s, as an announcer for numerous game shows including "The Gong Show," "The Joker's Wild," "The Newlywed Game" and "To Tell The Truth." In 1975, O'Donnell began serving his first stint as announcer on "Wheel of Fortune" (at the time hosted by Chuck Woolery); he returned in 1988 replacing popular TV personality Jack Clark after his death. In addition, he was the announcer for The Beatles at The Hollywood Bowl and Dodger Stadium in 1965, and worked on "The Academy Awards," "The Golden Globe Awards" and "The Emmy Awards."
Bio by: C.S.
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