Charlie O'Donnell | Game-show voice, 78

Charlie O'Donnell, 78, the announcer whose voice has opened

Wheel of Fortune

for decades, died Sunday at his Los Angeles home.

The cause was unclear.

Mr. O'Donnell was a popular disc jockey in New York before starting his television career in Philadelphia with Dick Clark on American Bandstand.

He also served as announcer for Oscar and Emmy telecasts and other game shows including The Newlywed Game.

His signature phrase, "Wheeeeeeel of Fortune," could be heard on the show from its beginning with host Chuck Woolery in 1975.

He worked on the show until 1980, and again from 1988 until his death.

- AP