Randy West Reflects on his Johnny Olson Connection
The iconic voice of Supermarket Sweep takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through his illustrious career as a game show announcer.
In recounting his experiences for the National Archive of Game Show History’s oral interview series, TV announcer and former contestant Randy shed light on the profound influence of famed radio and TV announcer Johnny Olson, a name synonymous with the golden age of television game shows.
Johnny Olson, known for his distinctive voice and impeccable diction, was the man behind the microphone for classic game shows like “The Price is Right”, “Match Game”, and “What’s My Line”. Olson’s professionalism and charisma, along with his legendary skill at performing “warm-up” routines for live TV audiences, set a high standard for announcers in the industry. Johnny’s legacy had a profound impact on Randy West’s own career. Randy fondly reminisced about how Johnny Olson’s dedication to his craft and his ability to engage the audience left an indelible mark, inspiring Randy to pursue a career in game show announcing.
The interview with Randy West is just one of many video artifacts housed within the National Archives of Game Show History at the Strong Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. These archives serve as a treasure trove of insights into the world of game shows, preserving the memories and experiences of the luminaries who have contributed to this iconic genre of television entertainment.
If you want to hear more from Randy West, the BuzzerBlog podcast Tell Us About Yourself: Conversations with Game Show Contestants interviewed Randy as part of our first season, and you can listen to that below.
