| Randy West | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name: | Randy West |
| Born: | September 29, 1953 |
| Occupation: | Announcer/voice-over artist |
| Years active: | 1983-present |
| Known for: | Announcing game shows |
Randy West (born on September 29, 1953 in New York City) is an American television announcer. He is best known as the announcer on Wink Martindale's Family Channel game shows, including Trivial Pursuit.
Early Career[]
West's voice has also been heard on talk shows including Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Chuck Woolery Show, comedy programs such as The Andy Dick Show, award shows including the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, sitcoms such as It's Garry Shandling's Show, as narrator on informational programs including the Court TV series Hollywood and Crime, and specials including Game Show Moments Gone Bananas known as "Mr. Game Show" and several episodes of The Price Is Right $1,000,000 Spectacular prime time specials.
Like fellow announcer Rich Fields, West was mentored through the early years of his broadcasting career by the legendary television game show announcer Johnny Olson after they met in 1971 on the set of the syndicated version of What's My Line?. Following Johnny's death in 1985, the Olson family entrusted Randy with the many mementos, photos, clippings, awards and scripts that Johnny had saved during his 50+ year career in broadcasting. An extensive tribute to Johnny Olson is included at West's personal web site, as is a separate tribute to Rod Roddy, who died in 2003. West has since authored a biography of Olson, entitled Johnny Olson: A Voice in Time. He also does announcer and hosting duties for the The Price is Right: Decades video game, filling in for Rich Fields in the game, and also for doing the prize descriptions for the 2004 to 2010 years (the years that Fields was on the show).
Before West began finding success in game shows, he worked extensively as a disc jockey in local radio and appeared as a contestant on several shows, including the syndicated version of What's My Line?, To Tell the Truth, Press Your Luck, All Star Blitz, Sweethearts, and Face the Music. West was also the last champion on Hit Man, though he didn't win the $10,000 top prize. However, he did win $1,000 for completing one column.
Shows appeared[]
- Hitman
- Press Your Luck
- To Tell the Truth (1990 Version)
Shows announced[]
- Trivial Pursuit
- Wild Animal Games
- Family Challenge (Ice Skating Edition)
- Hollywood Showdown
- The Big Spin
- The Price is Right (tryout announcer)
- Supermarket Sweep
- The Newlywed Game
- What the Blank! (2004 pilot)
- Game Show Moments Gone Bananas (2005 as Mr. Game Show)
Gallery[]
