Games - Johnny Olson

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John Leonard "Johnny" Olson (May 22, 1910 – October 12, 1985) was an American radio and television announcer, most notably for announcing 32 game shows from Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Productions, including, Tattletales
, To Tell The Truth, What's My Line?
, I've Got A Secret, Concentration
, and Body Language
, among many others.

Born in Windom, Minnesota, while landing jobs at WIBA and KGDA in and nearby Madison, Wisconsin after 1928, Olson enrolled in pharmacy classes at the University of Minnesota. He also worked a string of odd jobs, from a soda jerk to a singer. He also landed a job on radio in 1944, announcing the immensely-popular musical-game show, Ladies Be Seated, which was a Name That Tune
clone.

Prior to his vast employment with Mark Goodson-Bill Todman Productions, he was also known as the announcer on the variety series, The Jackie Gleason Show, a show that resembles the 1955 hit sitcom, The Honeymooners, from 1962-1970. The first few seasons were recorded in New York City, while the last few seasons took place in Miami.

Olson was also known as the announcer on Match Game
, where he worked with Gene Rayburn, for the next 21 years. He even got to make a few appearances in the 1970s revival of the show.

Olson is best known for his appearance on the CBS revival of The Price is Right
from its inception on September 4, 1972, until his sudden death. More than just an announcer of prizes and host Bob Barker's sidekick, Olson was a loved and valued member of the cast, becoming as synonymous with the show as announcer Don Pardo was in its original version. He frequently acted in the showcases at the end of each show and helped make "Come on down!" a catch phrase that has carried on to his successors, Rod Roddy (1986-2003) and Rich Fields (2004-present). He was also instrumental in starting the career of announcer Randy West.

Olson died of a cerebral hemorrhage at the age of 75 in Santa Monica, California.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Johnny Olson ]

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