Announcer Charlie O'Donnell

For about 28 years, Charlie O’Donnell has been the voice (along with Jack Clark and M.G. Kelly) of the enormously popular game show Wheel of Fortune. This goes back to when the show was on NBC daytime and Chuck Woolery was the host (you mean their was a host before Pat Sajak?). He was still on the show at the time of his death.

He began his television career with Dick Clark on American Bandstand, and then served as announcer for shows like the Oscars, the Emmys and The Newlywed Game. I remember when I worked in radio, Charlie was the intro announcer (and I think fill in host sometimes) on Dick Clark’s Rock, Roll and Remember shows.

His voice for me was unmistakable and always welcome. God’s speed pal.

Tags: announcers, commentary, requiescat in pace, tv, voice talent, voiceover by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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Writer Stephen J. Cannell

I met Scott Brick, a well regarded audio book narrator, at VOICE 2010; he was a very nice guy. Most people in our business are, thankfully.

But on his blog, Scott just whacked nice outta the park with kindest, most heartfelt send offs to one of Hollywood’s good guys, Stephen J. Cannell.

Sure, he wrote about Cannell and what he meant to Scott, but writing is not what Scott Brick does best.
[audio:http://www.audioconnell.com/clientuploads/mp3/scott_brick_presents_audio_blog_22_in_memoriam_stephen_j_cannell.mp3]

I hope you’ll listen, enjoy and learn.

Tags: commentary, requiescat in pace by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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Boston Voice Talent Meet-Up Front row (l-r) Chrissy Fadala, Moe Egan, DB Cooper; Back row Diane Maggipinto (and son Lio), Peter O'Connell and Lee Gordon

When I heard about this last night, I couldn’t quite bring myself to write about the passing of this wonderful soul.

I knew Chrissy later in her life, first from the VO-BB and then thankfully she joined us for this dinner you see in the summer of 2009. How great for me that she would turn out to join us on this special night. I hope I said thank you enough to her for coming out.

If you aren’t a member of the VO-BB, you’ll need to sign up to read my talented friend Mandy Nelson’s kind and loving story of visiting Chrissy in the hospital with Chrissy daughter Delana and how peaceful it all seemed for everyone.

It was a great crutch for the many broken hearts that got to spend time “with our Chrissy”.

Tags: requiescat in pace, voice actors, voice casting, voice talent, voiceover, voiceover meet-ups by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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Dear Doc,

You shocked, stunned and saddened me with the news of your death.

You were one of the true good guys in voice over and it seemed like you’d live forever.

God had other plans that I must say I’m not too pleased with, but he doesn’t often ask my opinion.

Thanks for being my friend and friends to so many others in and out of the voice over world – we miss you already.

Best always,
– Peter

Tags: requiescat in pace, voice actors, voice talent, voiceover by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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Announcer Joel Crager

Word from Roy Yokelson of Antland Productions that network announcer Joel Crager had passed away Thursday. He is a voice you knew well, primarily for his work on ABC.

A great interview with Joel from 2006 can be found here.

This video contains Joel’s intro for the ABC Monday Night Movie – I remember it well. Keep a good thought for Joel’s family today.

Tags: ABC Television Network, requiescat in pace, video by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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The Voice of God, Longtime New York Yankees public address announcer Bill Sheppard. Photo Courtesy USA Today - Bill Kostroun, AP

After 99 years on this earth and 50 years as the revered public address announcer for the New York Yankees, Bob Sheppard died July 11, 2010, about 3 months shy of 100 years old.

Wow, what a career her had!

“The Voice of God”, as he was affectionately known, now has a meeting scheduled with his namesake. I’m pretty sure they’re gonna talk baseball at some point.

Tags: announcers, requiescat in pace by peter k. o'connell, your friendly, neighborhood voice-over talent
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