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Another memorable episode of The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) The State of VO on Thursday with guest, Randy West, a voice over artist, best known for his work on game shows like The Price is Right, Supermarket Sweep (2000-03), Trivial Pursuit, and Hollywood Showdown.
Early on in the Zoomcast, Randy talked about the struggles of losing the “radio sound” in his voice when he began doing voiceovers. Even though the trend of the last decade has been the relatable, conversational read, as Randy said, you still want to have that “SPARKLE” in your voice. I could have listened to his fabulous stories of the “good ‘ole days” in Hollywood all night!
According to his Wikipedia page, “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.
Presently, you can follow him on Facebook where his daily updates on pop culture are quite entertaining!
The State of VO is hosted by SOVAS’ Joan Baker and Rudy Gaskins along with Marc Guss of ACM Talent.
An avid record collector, lover of all desserts and sometimes seen wearing multiple Swatch watches, Dave has been lending his voice for over 20 years heard on such prominent brands as Intel, RCA, Eddie Bauer, Kellogg‘s, Pizza Hut, Lexus, and infomercial giants Guthy-Renker and Beachbody. His narration projects include Japan’s preeminent automobile series Best Motoring International and Hot Version, along with GTChannel, QVC, Universal Music Enterprises, and ViSalus Sciences.