Chuck Riley

RILEY , Chuck
(1940-2007) Radio icon and voice-over legend, Chuck Riley, 66 passed away at his home in L.A. on May 10, 2007 due to renal complications. During the 80's he was known as the "Voice" of Emmis Radio. The original announcer of Hot 97/N.Y, he launched Power 105/N.Y., and added amusing clips and promos for Power 106/Los Angeles. He had an afternoon show at WIBC/Indianapolis, where he was considered the icon of drive-time. Moving to California in the late 1970's he worked with Chuck Blore and from there he went on to use his versatile talent to promote thousands of movies for Warner Bros., Universal, Fox and Paramount Studios, including E.T., The Godfather, Die Hard, Ronin, etc. His narrations could be heard in several movies, and his voice was used by Oliver Stone for the movie Nixon. Performing thousands of commercials for Tyco Toys, The May Company, Arco, Southern California Ford and most recently the news intros for KABC Eyewitness News. Working for CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX network he performed thousands of promos for dramatic TV shows; the original intro announcer for EXTRA and the first in show narrator for Big Brother. In addition he recorded hundreds of children's audio books, such as Star Wars, Atlantis, The Rocketeer, Mario Brothers, and the R.L. Stine series. Never stopping to take a breath he voiced documentaries for the History Channel and volunteered his services for the Braille Institute for the Blind. His most moving narrative of all times was the 9/11 tribute that was played nationally days after the tragedy. He was heard by millions and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his wife, Cher Smart; his stepson, Bryan Forrest Simmons and wife, Karin; grandsons, Mason and Aidan; sister-in-law, Linda Baldassare; brother-in law, David Smart and wife, Cheryl; mother-in-law, Helen Smart; his son Colin Hanks and his mother Irene Hanks.
In lieu of a memorial service he requested that donations be made in the name of Charles Hanks, to the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund, 16830 Ventura Blvd., Suite 315, Encino, CA 91436.