Randy West
| Randy West | |
|---|---|
| Born |
September 29, 1953 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Occupation | Announcer |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Website | http://www.tvrandywest.com |
Randy West (born September 29, 1953, New York City) is an American television personality, best known for his work on game shows. He has been an announcer on American television game shows since 1990, with credits including Supermarket Sweep (2000-03), Trivial Pursuit, Hollywood Showdown, and filling in on The Price Is Right.
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.
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?, when West was 18 years old. 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.
Before West found 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(on which he retired as champion after 3 days with a total of $25,742, exceeding CBS' winnings limit, which was $25,000 at the time) All Star Blitz, Sweethearts, and Face the Music. West was also the last champion on Hit Man, although he did not win the $10,000 top prize.
West has served as the announcer for the second and third seasons of The Newlywed Game with Carnie Wilson. His voice is also featured as the 1990s announcer on "The Price is Right Decades" video game produced by Ludia for Wii, PS3, Xbox 360 and other platforms. In 2016, West voiced several diverse off-camera roles for Power of Veto challenges on CBS' "Big Brother."
External links
| Preceded by Burton Richardson 2002 |
The Price Is Right $1,000,000 Spectacular announcer Primetime Alternated with Rod Roddy 2002-2004 |
Succeeded by Rich Fields 2004-2010 |