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Charlie O'Donnell
Charlie O'Donnell
Obituary
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Charlie O'Donnell Obituary
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.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
136 Entries
Harry Simpson
November 3, 2016
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
JUSTIN PANETTA
May 15, 2015
DEAR CHARLIE NO MORE PAIN FOR YOU YOU GOT YOUR VOICE BACK JOHNNY GILBERT RICH FIELDS JIM THORNTON FILLED IN FOR YOU AND NOW JIM GOT THE JOB NOW YOUR IN HEAVEN WITH MY GRANDFATHER CARMEN MY GRANDMOTHER SANDY JOYCE ARNOLD BIG GRAM WALT SWARTZ COUSIN LISA COUSIN VITO MARIE ARNOLD FRANK ARNOLD HANK ARNOLD EARL ANTHONY DICK WEBER GENE STUS TONY REYES BARRY GURNEY DAVE D'ENTREMONT ELVIS PRESLEY DOC'S MOM HAL'S MOM MR. ROGERS FRED ROGERS JEN DIGMAN HARRY ROTHWEIN UNCLE BUDDY TOM DONATO TOM RICCARDO SR BOOMER NEIL LUTHER JR DONNA MARGIASSO ROD RODDY JOHNNY OLSON JACK CLARK DICK CLARK AUNT LUCY AND UNCLE BOB WE MISS YOU
David Root
December 6, 2012
Sorry for the late entry, but I just found this guestbook today.
Although I never met Charlie; I did love hearing his one of a kind voice announcing on numerous game shows. He will be missed.
To his daughter Bidget a long missed friend..My prayers go out to you..and I am sure Jimmy and your father are together and expressing their love for you to each other.
My prayers are also with his WOF family.
michael O'Donnell
November 16, 2011
For my father.
Your light lives on in me.
Michael
How you can show support
J. A. Shepard
January 29, 2011
I was deeply saddened to hear of Charlie's death...I have enjoyed that wonderful voice of his for many years and I loved to hear him pronounce " ALUMINUM " My condolences to his family and the staff of Wheel...
Rest in peace.....
LouAnn Campbell
November 26, 2010
My sympathy to Charlie,s family and also to his WOF family. His wonderful and kind voice will be truly missed. I'm sure God will use your voice to his glory once again.
November 15, 2010
You were a man of tremendous character, and gentle grace... Thank you for being such a caring friend, Charlie.
Charlie, I will never forget our early morning conversations on stage. Your stories, and wisdom, resonate with me as I sit here thinking about you...
I remember one morning when you smiled, and as a proud Irish gentlemen, told me an Irish saying: "Dance as if no one's watching, sing as if no one's listening, and live everyday as if it were your last." You were a man who lived by the words he spoke.
I will always feel blessed for having known you. I'm pretty sure that God hasn't created a man with a bigger heart, or more caring soul than you.
~Rest in Gods gentle arms my friend~
Diane
xxoo
charlotte absher
November 14, 2010
best announcer ever. he will be missed. my sympathyis with all the family and everyone who listened to him over the years.he is missed. charlotte absher...
kathryn doran
November 9, 2010
To Charlies family, I am so sorry for your loss.
I miss his BOOMING voice, laugh and sense of humor! :( Rest In Peace Mr. O'Donnell.
November 9, 2010
Michael,
I am so sorry to hear about your father's passing. My thoughts are with you.
Carrie Lensner
November 8, 2010
To Michael and Family,
I am so sorry about Charlie's passing. May you have only
good memories and keep him close to your heart. We
love you Michael.
Gail O'Donnell and Jickie
Neal De Jesus
November 8, 2010
Charlie O'Donnell was a good announcer of Wheel of Fortune he'll be missed Johnny Gilbert of Jeopardy will replace him for a while until we get a new announcer of Wheel of Fortune in 2010/2011 Pat Vanna and th O'Donnell family will attend to Charlie's funeral service this week Charlie announced Now You See It on CBS and Charlie was guested on The Early Show on CBS RIP Charlie.
elizabeth morrill
November 6, 2010
this is for you charlie
elizabeth morrill
November 6, 2010
i have loved watching when i was a little girl and still do ,and will miss the hearing you talk to pat and vanna joking with them .rest in peace charlie and god bless your family and tv family too we love you
Karen McLean
November 5, 2010
Wheel will be different now...but the memories we share...I ran from cleaning up my kitchen when I hear "that" voice. Rest in peace, our friend...you will truly be missed Charlie !
Ron Keeney
November 5, 2010
You will be missed Charlie :) Just a couple of LETTERS RIP!!!
Bob Fassler
November 5, 2010
My family and I have enjoyed your voice over the years.... you have really endeared yourself to us, and to a great many of our friends. God Bless your family... Bob & ARlene Fassler, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Sharon Dow
November 5, 2010
I ran camera next to him as he announced during "Wheel". I often think of him. We had the same allergies. Miss you and the biz will never have a voice and timing like you.
Sol Bress
November 4, 2010
My condolences to Charlie's family. Charlie's voice and personality will forever be missed. It was a honor working with him during his tapings of WOF in Philadelphia, and listening and watching him while growing up in Philadelphia. RIP
Wendy Vega
November 4, 2010
MIss you, Charlie.
ROBERT MARSH
November 4, 2010
CHARLIE WILL BE MISSED HE WILL BE ANNOUNCING IN HEAVEN AND PLAYING WHEEL OF FORTUNE OR WHATEVER.....PAT AND VANNA AND OTHERS WHO ENJOYED HIM WILL MISS LIKE HE WAS PART OF THE FAMILY IN HOMES AND WHEREVER HE WAS IN LIFE
Jennifer Cooper
November 4, 2010
I was so sad to hear of Charlie's passing. My condolences and thoughts to Ellen. I was lucky enough to spend quite a few holiday dinners with him. He was so kind and had a great sense of humor. I am honored to have known him. He will be missed.
Karl Allen
November 4, 2010
Charlie, You were one of a kind! A true broadcast Icon, they don't make'em like you anymore, It was an honor to know you, and safe travels wherever the stars may bring you!
November 4, 2010
The greatest announcers on televsion will be greatly missed by all.
Lynda (Fort Wayne,IN)
Robert Kahler
November 4, 2010
I will miss his voice each night and his friendly banter with Pat. I graduated from John Bartram High School in Philadelphia with Charlie in January, 1950. Our year book entry for him says, "To announce on the radio is his aim." How remarkably well he fulfilled that ambition. Rest in Peace, old Classmate.
Bob Kahler
November 4, 2010
I am a life-long fan from the Jersey Shore, admiring and respecting Pat, Vanna and Charlie for as long as I can remember. The show is a 'class-act', and the 'voice' and the 'humor' of Mr. O'Donnell will be missed. All our love to the Family & Staff. With thanks & devotion, Cathy Wolf, Forrest, Brandon, Lin, and Presley.
MR. & MRS R.E. Scheideman
November 4, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Emily McAlister
November 4, 2010
Will miss hearing your voice. No one will ever replace you. Rest in Peace Mr. O. God wanted you to do His own game show in Heaven.
Emily McAlister
Tampa, Fl
Shirley H.
November 4, 2010
God bless your family & you at the loss of your loved one!
THE LEWIS FAMILY
November 4, 2010
OMG!! I AM SOOOO SAD TO HEAR THIS!!! I HAVE GROWN UP WITH THE WHEEL AND THAT VOICE!!! IT WONT BE THE SAME WITHOUT HIM. MY DEEPEST AND MOST HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY AT THIS TIME.
chris cazzato
November 4, 2010
we will miss your voice god bless your family in these tough times
P.J Wright
November 4, 2010
The "Wheel Of Fortune Circle" has been
unbroken, but you will remain in memory always as one of the greatest emcee voices.
November 3, 2010
"ROCK ON" Charlie".. I miss you already.. And just like myself, I'm sure Pat and Vana have you in their prayers..
scott Bergman
November 3, 2010
Charlie was a wonderful and cheerful person. I worked with him for many years, he will be missed.
Phylls Lowe
November 3, 2010
To Charlie's family: to be absent in the body is to be present with Jesus Christ.
Charlie must be in Heaven with dozens of other announcers of his caliber. Charlie will be missed very much: by his family certainly, by his staff and by his millions of viewers.
God bless you, family members. Know Charlie was loved.
The Shackelford Family
November 3, 2010
May God Bless you and your family at this sorrowful time. May the memories of your loved one bring you comfort and May God give you the peace that only He can give.
Roberta Shackelford & Family
November 3, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Victoria
November 3, 2010
"CHARLIE"
GodBe with you
And your family~
....
AARON O'DWYER
November 3, 2010
I AM SO VERY SORRY TO HERE ABOUT THE DEATH IN YOUR FAMILY YOUR FAMILY IS IN MY PRAYERS AT THIS TIME OF NEED
November 3, 2010
sorry about the passing of charlie o'donnell i really enjoyed hearing hisvoice on the wheel of fortune. my thoughts and prayers go out to the family lynn castillo sanantoniotexas
Joseph DK
November 3, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Charlie at the Emmy Awards, he was a delightful man to be around. Charlie you will be missed but your legacy will live on in the nation's heart, May God hold you genltly in his arms.
Louis Lipson
November 3, 2010
Charlie will always be in my memory. Our family spent great Christmas holidays together and it was memorable. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Viesta Washington
November 3, 2010
My deepest sympathy.
Jo Bruce
November 3, 2010
My condolences goes to the O'Donnell family and Wheel of Fortune family. Your voice will always be heard. You will deeply be missed.
Trish T.
November 3, 2010
My condolences to the family. I still remember him from when he was on American Bandstand. R.I.P., Charlie.
Linda Ditch
November 3, 2010
My condolences to Charlies personal family and to the Wheel of Fortune Family. Charlie will certainly be missed.
John Meagher
November 3, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Danny
November 3, 2010
Thanks Charlie , and our condolences to the O'Donnell Family .
Peggy
November 3, 2010
My condolences to the family. That was one of my most favorite show. It will never be the same without you Charlie RIP.
Debbie Hansen
November 3, 2010
Another wonderful voice has been sadly silenced....RIP Charlie... Wheel will not be the same without you.
Sandy Chandler
November 3, 2010
He will truly by missed. His family is in my prayers.
sandy scarpato
November 3, 2010
what a great voice he had . sorry for your lost rip charlieO Donnell
Tricia O'Donnell
November 3, 2010
SAFE JOURNEY HOME CHARLIE.
GOOD NIGHT FOR NOW
Tricia O'Donnell
November 3, 2010
SAFE JOURNEY HOME, CHARLIE.
GOOD NIGHT FOR NOW
Connie Pfursich
November 3, 2010
Charlie has gone but he will never be forgotten Good night Charlie
Steve
November 3, 2010
You never forget a Voice !!!
Ms. Barnes
November 3, 2010
To the Family of Charlie O'Donnell:
While not personally known to many, your voice came into many homes as we watched Wheel of Fortune.
My condolences to the family as you suffer through your loss.
Kathleen Kenepp
November 3, 2010
Spin the big whhheeellll up there in the sky for all of us, Charlie! Before ya know it, we will all be together to play it, again!
Shelia Walker
November 3, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Patty Bacon
November 3, 2010
He's now a part of the big wheel in the sky. May you find comfort in this time of loss. We will miss him.
Jeanette Smith
November 3, 2010
I am 54 yrs. old and I remember him on both show's.Charlie We Will Miss You. Saying a Prayer for Your Family.
Joanne Monroe
November 3, 2010
A special voice that will be sadly missed. Now forever will be special memories. Heartfelt prayers to all of your family
Charles E. Wilkerson
November 3, 2010
Sincerely sorry for this loss. He added many happy memories for me and my family. We loved the Wheel Show and the funny pranks Pat pulled on him. Our prayers are with you now and always.
Shirley Griffin
November 3, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss, may the God who gives peace be with you in your time of grief.
Reed Family
November 3, 2010
My sincere condolences. May knowing others care about your loss give the entire family a measure of comfort. God see your pain of heart. He is healing the brokenhearted ones,
And is binding up their painful spots.
Carla
November 3, 2010
My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Charlie O'Donnell. May you find strength and peace by means of the scriptures.
Anthony Leon
November 3, 2010
I felt sorry for Pat Sajak, Vanna White, and everybody who knew him. I hope he was in an better place in heaven. GONNA MISS HIM AND HIS COOL VOICE!!!!
Wade JOHNSON
November 3, 2010
CHarlie will be missed very much, Wheel of Fortune will never be the same,Kinda like The Price Is Right Now.It just seems as if The show died when Bob Barker left. Rest In Peace Mr. O'Donnell
Vetta
November 3, 2010
R.I.P.
Eva Purnia
November 2, 2010
God night Charlie,ThankYou for your talents for those years.Condolences to your family and friends.God Bless!
Chester & Ginger
November 2, 2010
For Charlie's family: May God give you the strength you need to carry on as Charlie would want you to do. His role in Heaven surely includes announcing Jesus' presence w/ that resounding voice. God Bless!
Freida Hensley
November 2, 2010
"When someone you love
becomes a memory,
The memory becomes
a treasure."
November 2, 2010
Gone but will never be forgotten.Sandy Wright
Janice Howell
November 2, 2010
You will sadly be missed by the WHOLE WORLD that watched WHEEL OF FORTUNE !!!!!! RIP CHARLIE O'DONNELL WHAT A VERY GOOOOOD VOICE !!!!!!! MISS YA
Barbara kravitz
November 2, 2010
love great voices ...now he joins Johnny Olsen and the other great guys.....R.I.P. condolences to the family....
Lisa Weiner
November 2, 2010
To Charlie O'Donnell,
I thought you were a great announcer for the game show Wheel of fortune. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I give you two thumbs up Mr. O'donnell for a great job. Lisa Weiner
taylor allen
November 2, 2010
wow
David B.
November 2, 2010
To the O'Donnell Family
Charlie O. had one of the most wonderful voices in television and radio.
He knew how to get you excited and geared up for any event he was a part of. Charlie will always be a part of our family for ever and his voice I will always hear for years to come. Rest in Peace Charlie O. you were one of the finest.
John
November 2, 2010
Charlie O'Donnell was a legend in the entertainment business and today we have lost a true icon. His voice was heard in millions of homes for many years and he brought his own style to each show he announced. No matter who replaces him on WOF it will not be the same with out him saying Wheeeeeeeel of Fortune!!! My condolences to the O'Donnell family and friends.
kathy
November 2, 2010
rip charlie.
Mike & Lisa Lerner
November 2, 2010
Charlie will be missed I remember him as Charlie O on KRLA as a teenager. He was also married to my cousin Ellen . What a great couple. I know he will be missed by many. Now he's doing the big Wheel in the Sky.
November 2, 2010
Bummer! Condolances to the family and to Pat and Vanna as well!!!
Marilynn
November 2, 2010
To the O'Donnell family. Hold onto those wonderful memories you have and may they bring you a smile ehen you need it most. My sincerest condolonces to the family and friends of Mr.O'Donnell.
Mike DiMauro
November 2, 2010
I am sorry for the loss of Charlie. He was the best announcer that there was for Wheel of Fortune. I will miss hearing him on Wheel of Fortune. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Wheel of Fortune family!
November 2, 2010
America's game has lost it's voice. We love you Charlie. I will miss your wonderful stories.
John Lauderdale
SUSAN ELLIOTT
November 2, 2010
OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY IN THIS HOUR OF SORROW MAY GOD COMFORT YOU DURING THIS TIME RIP
November 2, 2010
condolences to the o'donnel family.also to pat and vanna.we will all miss his amazing voice ,the wheel of fortune will never be same without him. ed and ellen gagnon brockton,massachusetts.
EILEEN BROWN
November 2, 2010
you were like a dad to me way back when i first moved to l.a.
we had great fun together, especially at the dinner table with Bid, michael, puppy, and dennis and jane.
i will miss you. the many memories were very special to me. eileen
Vasili Glimidakis
November 2, 2010
Dear O'Donnell and his family,
I am sorry for your loss. I saw a story on him and I am just shocked about his passing. I listen to his voice almost every weeknight. I saw his face on television on April 1. It is the end of an era at Wheel of Fortune. He is really one of a kind on television. God bless him and his family.
Raquel Harmason
November 2, 2010
Rest in Peace Mr. O'Donnell.
Linda Kleckner
November 2, 2010
Oh, Hollywood has lost a true icon. His voice will be missed. He was the straight man to Pat's jokes. Wilmington, NC loved Charlie! Linda Kleckner, Wilmington, NC
g small
November 2, 2010
You will be sadly missed by viewers all over the world.
c u
November 2, 2010
As a long-time fan of Wheel of Fortune, I sure will miss Charlie's voice on the show. My sympathies to the O'Donnell family and Pat and Vanna.
Christina Williams
November 2, 2010
Condolences to his family and friends. Wheel of Fortune would not have been the same without him!
James Brazelton
November 2, 2010
You will be missed charlie
November 2, 2010
Wheel of fortune has been a favorite in my household for many years. Charlie's voice was such a welcome to the show, My home will surely miss this wonderful voice. May you rest in Peace, Charlie. We will miss you. The Shone Family. Pineville, La.
Christine Bourseau
November 2, 2010
I had the good fortune to meet Charlie when I taped Wheel of Fortune in October, 2008. He was very nice and genuinely happy for my being able to realize a life-long dream. He will be missed by millions! May the Lord bless his family and friends and keep them in the palm of His hand during this difficult time.
November 2, 2010
Charlie's missing voice was "immediately" noticed absent on Monday's Wheel of Fortune (when Pat said: "Charle is taking some down-time.") Charlie's voice was "iconic" for years. He will be sadly missed; especially, most recently, Charlie and Pat's hilarious "banter."
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