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Rod Roddy

Robert Ray "Rod" Roddy (September 28, 1937 – October 27, 2003) was an American radio and television announcer renowned for his distinctive baritone voice and flamboyant on-air presence.^[1]^[2]
Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Roddy began his career as a disc jockey and talk show host on stations like KLIF and KNUS-FM before transitioning to voice-over work for commercials in Los Angeles.^[3]^[4]
He gained prominence announcing game shows such as Whew!, Press Your Luck, and Love Connection, but achieved enduring fame as the announcer for The Price Is Right starting in 1986, delivering the iconic call "Come on down!" to contestants until his death.^[5]^[3]
Roddy's tenure made him the longest-serving announcer in the show's history at the time, spanning over 17 years and more than 4,000 episodes, during which he wore signature colorful jackets and maintained a theatrical style that became synonymous with the program.^[5]^[4]
Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2001, which later metastasized to his breast, he continued working intermittently and became an advocate for colorectal cancer awareness through the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance.^[5]^[3]

Early Life

Birth, Family, and Education

Robert Ray Roddy was born on September 28, 1937, in Fort Worth, Texas.^[6]^[2] Public records provide scant details on his immediate family, including parents or siblings, and little is documented about his early home life or specific influences from his upbringing.^[5] Roddy's formative years in the Fort Worth region exposed him to the cultural milieu of mid-20th-century Texas, which contributed to the Southern-inflected vocal style he developed in his later career.^[3] He graduated from Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, though records do not specify his major, graduation year, or notable academic achievements.^[5]^[4] No extensive accounts exist of early interests in public speaking or performance during his education, but his TCU tenure preceded his professional pursuits in media.^[3]

Early Career

Radio Broadcasting and Controversies

Rod Roddy commenced his professional broadcasting career in radio as a disc jockey and talk show host, primarily at KLIF (1190 AM) and KNUS-FM (99 FM) in Dallas, Texas, during the early 1970s.^[7] He hosted a late-night talk program simulcast across both outlets, engaging listeners with discussions that often veered into provocative territory reflective of the era's social tensions.^[7] Roddy's tenure at KLIF was marked by his vocal opposition to the Vietnam War, which positioned him as a polarizing figure in the station's conservative-leaning market.^[8] This stance led to professional repercussions, including being placed on administrative leave by station management amid listener complaints and internal pressures.^[8] His combative on-air style, blending sharp wit with unfiltered commentary, amplified these conflicts, contributing to a reputation for controversy that strained his radio employment.^[9] A notable incident occurred in October 1972, when Roddy clashed with a former Miss America during a live interview on KLIF, escalating to the point where she threw coffee at him before storming out of the studio.^[10] ^[11] The exchange, which highlighted Roddy's confrontational interviewing approach, generated significant backlash from audiences and underscored the risks of his unscripted format in a polarized broadcasting environment.^[10] This event exemplified the professional setbacks tied to his provocative persona, ultimately influencing his departure from the station.^[9]

Transition to Television Announcing

After relocating to Los Angeles in the early 1970s, Roddy leveraged his radio disc jockey experience to secure initial voice-over work for television commercials, including spots for Pennzoil, Pillsbury, and Kitty Litter.^[5] This shift marked his entry into television announcing, where his booming, enthusiastic vocal style—honed through years of top-40 radio broadcasts—proved adaptable to promotional and narrative roles.^[5] In 1977, Roddy began narrating the ABC sitcom Soap, delivering its signature opening and closing disclaimers, such as "Confused? You won't be after this week's episode of Soap," through its run until 1981.^[12]^[13] This role refined his flamboyant, theatrical delivery, emphasizing dramatic pauses and energetic inflection that distinguished him from more subdued narrators.^[5] Concurrently, he expanded into game show announcing, starting with Whew! in 1979, where he served as the off-stage voice for the NBC program hosted by Tom Kennedy from April 23, 1979, to May 30, 1980.^[14] Throughout the early 1980s, Roddy announced additional game shows, including Battle Stars, Press Your Luck, Hit Man, Love Connection, and So You Think You've Got Troubles, accumulating credits that showcased his versatility and high-energy presence.^[5] These opportunities amid his professional pivot from radio disc jockey to television voice talent established a reputation for reliability and charisma, positioning him for selection in prominent broadcasting roles.^[5]

The Price Is Right

Hiring and Tenure

Following the death of longtime announcer Johnny Olson on October 12, 1985, Rod Roddy served as one of several guest announcers on The Price Is Right during an extended search for a permanent replacement.^[15] After auditioning alongside other candidates, Roddy was selected for the role, making his debut as the show's regular announcer on February 17, 1986.^[16] Roddy held the position continuously for 17 years, until October 2003, providing contractual stability to the production amid the show's daily taping demands of multiple episodes per session.^[5] This duration exceeded that of Olson's 13-year stint from 1972 to 1985 and, as of 2022, marked Roddy as the longest-tenured announcer in the program's history.^[5]

Announcing Style and Contributions

Roddy's on-stage visibility marked a departure from the conventional off-camera announcer role, allowing his flamboyant attire—characterized by vibrant, patterned jackets and bold colors—to become an integral visual component of the show's production.^[17]^[18] This wardrobe choice, often featuring psychedelic designs evident in episodes from 1989 onward, amplified the program's lively aesthetic without detracting from the gameplay focus.^[17] In vocal delivery, Roddy utilized a booming, jovial baritone to narrate prize showcases, infusing descriptions of automobiles, vacations, and merchandise with heightened enthusiasm that propelled contestant anticipation and segmented the episode's flow.^[18]^[17] His rendition of call-down phrases, including the established "Come on down!" for summoning contestants, maintained a rhythmic cadence that synchronized with the host's interactions and audience responses, fostering sustained momentum across bidding rounds and games.^[17] This energetic consistency in phrasing and tone supported the broadcast's pacing by bridging transitions between segments.^[3]

Achievements and Reception

Roddy's announcement of The Price Is Right from 1986 to 2003 earned acclaim from industry observers for stabilizing the role after Johnny Olson's departure, with producers noting his professional reliability in delivering cues without frequent errors.^[19] His tenure correlated with the program's continued dominance in daytime ratings, as it frequently topped Nielsen charts for syndicated game shows during the late 1980s and 1990s, reflecting sustained audience engagement.^[3] Fans and peers often highlighted his contribution to the show's iconic energy, with tributes emphasizing how his voice became synonymous with phrases like "Come on down," fostering viewer loyalty over thousands of episodes.^[5] Empirical feedback from viewer forums and game show enthusiast communities underscores widespread affection, with many crediting Roddy for bridging Olson's era to modern iterations and helping extend the series' run beyond 8,000 episodes by the early 2000s.^[19] Host Bob Barker's post-death tribute on air described Roddy as integral to the production's success, underscoring peer validation of his impact.^[20] However, some contemporaries and online discussions critiqued occasional dips in vocal enthusiasm, particularly in later years, attributing them to on-camera appearances and the physical demands of rapid episode tapings rather than core incompetence.^[21] These minor reservations were outweighed by empirical indicators of popularity, such as the absence of major production disruptions during his 17-year run and the rarity of substitute announcers, signaling effective performance amid the show's high-stakes, audience-driven format.^[18] Overall, Roddy's reception affirmed his role in perpetuating the program's cultural longevity, with balanced analyses from enthusiasts ranking him highly among announcers for consistency over flash.^[22]

Other Media Appearances

Television Roles and Voice Work

Rod Roddy began his prominent television announcing career as the narrator for the ABC sitcom Soap, providing opening and closing voiceovers from 1977 to 1981, including the signature line, "Confused? You won't be after this episode of Soap."^[13]^[23] This role marked his entry into scripted television, where his booming delivery parodied soap opera tropes in the series produced by Susan Harris.^[13] In animation, Roddy voiced Mike the Microphone, a recurring character in Disney's House of Mouse, from 2001 until his death in 2003; the anthropomorphic microphone served as the show's announcer, introducing segments with lines like "And now, here's Mickey Mouse!"^[24]^[1] This work showcased his adaptability to cartoon formats, though it remained a supplementary credit amid his game show focus. Roddy appeared on-screen as himself in a guest spot during the "Vanstock" episode (Season 2, Episode 6) of the Fox sitcom That '70s Show, which aired on October 26, 1998, briefly nodding to his announcer persona in a festival-themed plot.^[1] Beyond series work, Roddy provided voiceovers for national television commercials, including spots for Pennzoil motor oil and Public Storage facilities, leveraging his resonant baritone for promotional announcements in the Los Angeles market during the 1970s and 1980s.^[3] These assignments, while not leading to starring roles, underscored his utility as a versatile voice talent in advertising, often filling brief but memorable narrative duties without overshadowing his primary broadcasting identity.^[3]

Personal Life

Health, Weight Management, and Lifestyle

Roddy was overweight for much of his adult life, a condition that persisted until after he became the primary announcer on The Price Is Right in 1986.^[2] In response, he adopted a rigorous diet and exercise regimen, achieving a weight loss of nearly 200 pounds over subsequent years.^[25] This progress was periodically acknowledged on-air by host Bob Barker, who inquired about Roddy's ongoing efforts during episodes, reflecting the announcer's commitment to the program.^[26] The lifestyle shift toward sustained fitness contributed to Roddy's ability to continue his demanding role, involving high-energy performances and travel, well into his 60s. Specific elements of his diet or workout routines, such as caloric restrictions or exercise types, were not elaborated publicly by Roddy himself. He maintained a low profile on other personal habits, with verifiable accounts limited to these self-directed health improvements predating his illnesses.^[2]

Sexual Orientation and Privacy

Roddy never publicly disclosed details about his sexual orientation or romantic relationships, maintaining a deliberate separation between his professional persona and private life. He never married, had no children, and left no immediate survivors upon his death in 2003.^[18] Contemporary obituaries and profiles from major outlets, including those in entertainment-focused publications, omitted any reference to partners or personal affiliations, underscoring his preference for privacy amid an era of limited mainstream visibility for non-heterosexual individuals in broadcasting.^[17] This discretion aligned with broader patterns in mid-20th-century American media, where such revelations risked career repercussions, yet Roddy's flamboyant on-air style—marked by colorful attire and enthusiastic delivery—occasionally fueled informal speculation without substantiation from primary sources or his own statements. No verified accounts of relationships surfaced in reputable reporting, and close associates described him primarily through professional or platonic lenses, such as friendships with colleagues.^[27] His approach effectively normalized a focus on professional contributions, avoiding the media sensationalism that characterized some contemporaries' personal disclosures.

Illness and Death

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

In September 2001, Roddy was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent emergency surgery on September 11 at Century City Hospital in Los Angeles to remove the tumor.^[5]^[17] The cancer recurred in 2002, prompting further treatment including a second surgery.^[28] In March 2003, Roddy was diagnosed with male breast cancer, a rare form comprising less than 1% of all breast cancer cases, and underwent a mastectomy to remove his left breast.^[17]^[5] He received chemotherapy following both the colon cancer surgeries and the breast cancer procedure, which initially appeared to control the diseases.^[29] However, the chemotherapy failed to prevent recurrence, with the colon cancer metastasizing and becoming more aggressive despite interventions.^[5] The progression of dual primary cancers—colon and breast—highlighted their aggressive nature, as the metastatic spread ultimately overwhelmed subsequent treatments.^[17]^[3]

Public Response and Final Appearances

Roddy persisted in announcing for The Price Is Right despite advancing colon and breast cancers, taping episodes on a part-time basis until his final hospitalization roughly two months before his death on October 27, 2003, at age 66 in Century City Hospital, Los Angeles.^[5]^[18] His last taped appearances occurred in mid-2003, with episodes airing posthumously through October 20, 2003, after which substitutes like Sydney Vinedge filled in to maintain production continuity.^[3] This determination allowed the show to avoid immediate disruption, though colleagues noted the visible strain on Roddy's voice and presence in later tapings. Following his September 2001 colon cancer diagnosis, Roddy publicly advocated for early detection, emphasizing colonoscopies in interviews and aligning with the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance as a high-profile spokesperson.^[5] He stated in media appearances that proactive screening could have prevented his condition's severity, urging others to prioritize such measures.^[30] During his illness, Roddy also disclosed his homosexuality, drawing supportive responses from outlets like The Advocate, which highlighted his resilience without noted backlash.^[31] Upon Roddy's death announcement, host Bob Barker delivered an 18-second on-air tribute, praising his colleague's professionalism and friendship amid the health battle, though some fans criticized its brevity as insufficient for Roddy's contributions.^[3] Fans and production staff expressed widespread grief over the loss, underscoring the emotional toll on The Price Is Right's continuity, with Barker later reflecting on Roddy's irreplaceable energy in sustaining the program's upbeat atmosphere.^[5] Media coverage generally portrayed Roddy's fight as inspirational, focusing on his advocacy rather than sensationalism.^[18]

Legacy

Influence on Game Show Announcing

Rod Roddy's 17-year tenure as announcer on The Price Is Right, from February 1986 until October 2003, marked the longest continuous service in the role at the time, surpassing predecessor Johnny Olson's 14 years and establishing a durability benchmark for the position that endured until later extensions under successors.^[5]^[4] This extended presence correlated with the program's sustained format stability during a period of high daytime television viewership, where the show's consistent top ratings—often exceeding 10 million weekly viewers in the late 1980s and 1990s—reflected the announcer's integral role in maintaining audience draw through rhythmic, hype-building calls like "Come on down!"^[18] Roddy standardized an energetic, booming vocal style paired with visible flamboyance, including sequined jackets and on-stage appearances in specials, shifting game show announcing from purely off-mic utility to a performative element that amplified contestant excitement and thematic immersion.^[5]^[3] This approach influenced direct successors Rich Fields (2004–2010) and George Gray (2011–present), who emulated the high-energy delivery and charismatic flair to preserve the show's kinetic pacing, evident in their adoption of emphatic phrasing and enthusiastic modulation during contestant summons and prize reveals.^[5] Post-Roddy shifts show a stylistic continuity, with announcers prioritizing vocal projection and timing to sustain the format's half-century run, underscoring Roddy's causal role in embedding announcer charisma as a genre expectation for viewer retention. His legacy extended beyond The Price Is Right to broader game show norms, where prior disembodied voices gave way to more personality-driven announcements; Roddy's model, honed from earlier roles on Press Your Luck (1983–1986) and Love Connection (1981–1985), informed expectations for announcers to function as hype catalysts, a pattern observable in enduring formats like Wheel of Fortune.^[3] This technical standardization—rooted in precise intonation for game cues and audience interaction—facilitated the genre's evolution toward integrated production values, with empirical evidence in the rarity of announcer changes amid format longevity.^[4]

Tributes and Cultural Impact

Following Roddy's death on October 27, 2003, obituaries and broadcasts underscored his booming voice and flamboyant persona as hallmarks of daytime television entertainment. The Los Angeles Times described him as the "colorful, bespangled announcer" whose 17-year tenure on The Price Is Right defined audience engagement through phrases like "Come on down!", evoking widespread nostalgia for his enthusiastic delivery.^[5] Colleagues offered pointed remembrances; host Bob Barker aired a brief 18-second on-air tribute segment shortly after Roddy's passing, narrated personally to acknowledge his contributions amid the show's ongoing production.^[32] In contrast, radio personality Howard Stern devoted over four minutes to a segment reflecting on Roddy's career, highlighting industry recognition of his distinctive style despite occasional on-air parodies.^[33] Fan-driven tributes proliferated online, including video compilations recreating Roddy's calls and announcements, preserving his vocal timbre as a cultural touchstone for game show enthusiasts. Roddy's influence persists in media retrospectives and informal recreations, with archival clips of his work featured in compilations of classic television moments, emphasizing an apolitical, feel-good archetype in American pop culture. His signature phrase "Come on down!" endures as a shorthand for excitement and invitation, even etched on his tombstone at Rose Hills Memorial Park, symbolizing its permeation into public memory without reliance on contemporary political narratives. Rumors of acrimonious payment disputes with Barker—such as claims of resentment over scale wages akin to models—lack substantiation in production records and appear overstated, as Roddy continued in the role until health precluded it, per contemporaneous accounts from show insiders.^[34] This apolitical legacy reinforces his status as a neutral entertainer whose appeal transcended eras through sheer performative consistency.

References

[1]
Rod Roddy(1937-2003) - IMDb
Rod Roddy was born on 28 September 1937 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. He was an actor, known for Soap (1977), House of Mouse (2001) and That '70s Show (1998).
[2]
Rod Roddy (1937-2003) - Find a Grave Memorial
Birth: 28 Sep 1937. Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, USA ; Death: 27 Oct 2003 (aged 66). Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, USA ; Burial. Greenwood ...
[3]
Rod Roddy - Variety
Oct 27, 2003 · Roddy became a popular voiceover artist for commercials in Los Angeles. He got his big break in television as narrator of the 1977-81 satire “ ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
[4]
Price Is Right announcer Rod Roddy dies | Television Academy
Oct 28, 2003 · He began his announcing career as a voice-over artist for commercials in Los Angeles, finally getting his big break in television with the 1977- ...Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
[5]
Robert 'Rod' Roddy, 66; Was Colorful 'Price Is Right' Figure
Oct 29, 2003 · After his cancer was diagnosed two years ago, Roddy became a high-profile advocate for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance.Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
[6]
Rod Roddy - Biography - IMDb
Born. September 28, 1937 · Fort Worth, Texas, USA · Died. October 27, 2003 · Century City, Los Angeles, California, USA (colon and breast cancer) · Birth name.
[7]
Rod Roddy, Paxton Mills, KLIF Dallas Talk Show Paul Is Dead 1969
After that, he began doing the late night talk show which was broadcast on both KLIF 1190 AM (the reigning king of top 40 in Dallas) and KNUS 99 FM (an " ...
[8]
'PRICE IS RIGHT' HOST WAS OUT SICK - Daily Press
Dec 19, 2001 · FYI: Roddy began his career on radio as a controversial talk show host. He was an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War and was placed on ...
[9]
Rod Roddy Discusses His Suspension From KLIF And ... - YouTube
Dec 20, 2022 · Comments · Rod Roddy Controversy at KLIF Radio - October 1972 · Lester Maddox and Jim Brown Get Into Heated Debate on Segregation | The Dick ...Missing: Miss feud
[10]
Robert Roddy Obituary (1937 - Los Angeles, Calif., TX - Star-Telegram
Oct 30, 2003 · One night he so angered a Miss America, she threw coffee on him and stalked out of the studio. From that night forward, Rod became my radio idol ...
[11]
Rod Roddy Controversy at KLIF Radio - October 1972 - YouTube
Mar 9, 2022 · KERA Collection. This content is copyrighted and may be used for research and educational purposes only.Missing: career | Show results with:career
[12]
Soap (TV Series 1977–1981) - IMDb
Rating 8.3/10 (9,132) It dealt with topics ranging from homosexuality to possession. The humor and one liners were classic. Some of the funniest bits and scene stealing was done by ...Full cast & crew · Episode list · Trivia · Jimmy Baio
[13]
ROD RODDY DIES IN LOS ANGELES - Paramount Press Express
Oct 28, 2003 · In 1977, he came to television as the narrator of the comedy series "Soap" on ABC. In 1979, he began an uninterrupted run as the announcer ...
[14]
Whew! (TV Series 1979–1980) - IMDb
Rating 7.6/10 (67) Whew!: Created by Jay Wolpert. With Tom Kennedy, Rod Roddy, Mary Ann Mobley ... Rod Roddy · Self - Announcer. 273 eps 273 episodes • 1979–1980.
[15]
Johnny Olson, 'Come-on-Down' Man of 'Price Is Right,' Dies
Oct 13, 1985 · Veteran television announcer Johnny Olson, who exhorted contestants on “The Price Is Right” to “come on down!” for the last 14 years, died Saturday morning.
[16]
The Price is Right (February 17, 1986) - Rod Roddy's first permanent ...
Aug 7, 2023 · After a long audition period, today, Rod Roddy is chosen as the next permanent announcer for The Price is Right!
[17]
'Price Is Right's' Rod Roddy Dies - CBS News
Oct 27, 2003 · Roddy's announcing stints included "Love Connection" (1981-85) and "Press Your Luck" (1983-86), but "The Price is Right" earned him his greatest ...
[18]
Rod Roddy, 66, 'Price Is Right' Announcer - The New York Times
Oct 29, 2003 · Roddy, whose real name was Robert Ray Roddy, was born on Sept. 18, 1937, in Fort Worth, Tex., Mr. Pitts said. He was a graduate of Texas ...Missing: background | Show results with:background
[19]
Was Rod Roddy really that great? - Golden-Road.net
Jan 31, 2009 · Rod Roddy was a very good announcer. He had a lot of enthusiasm, his voice barely cracked at all, he didn't really make any mistakes and overall he did a great ...Rod Roddy Myths - Golden-Road.netWhy did Rod have a different voice in his final year?More results from www.golden-road.net
[20]
The Price is Right Rod Roddy Tribute - YouTube
Jan 17, 2008 · Bob Barker gives a short tribute to the former announcer Rod Roddy shortly after his death.Missing: achievements | Show results with:achievements
[21]
Johnny Olson vs. Rod Roddy - Google Groups
is it just me, or does it seem Rod Roddy is a bit lacking in the enthusiasm ... I used to say that Rod Roddy is the Liberace of game show announcers, but thatMissing: criticisms | Show results with:criticisms
[22]
How Would You Rank the TPIR Announcers? - Golden-Road.net
Nov 1, 2012 · I would go with: 1) Johnny Olson 2) Rod Roddy 3) Rich Fields 4) George Gray It's just a coincidence that their ranking is the same order that they've come onto ...
[23]
Rod Roddy as Announcer - Soap (TV Series 1977–1981) - IMDb
Announcer: This is the story of two sisters. Jessica Tate and Mary Campbell. These are the Tates, and these are the Campbells, and this is Soap.
[24]
Mike Voice - Disney's House of Mouse (TV Show)
Rod Roddy is the voice of Mike in Disney's House of Mouse, and Koichi Yamadera is the Japanese voice. TV Show: Disney's House of Mouse Franchise: Disney ...
[25]
The Price is Right (TV Series 1972– ) - Trivia - IMDb
When Rod first started, Bob Barker would frequently ask Rod about his weight loss progress, and Rod was successful, although sadly the weight loss in later ...
[26]
https://www.golden-road.net/index.php?topic=12950.0
[27]
Man's mission to turn discarded cans into cancer research funds
Apr 27, 2023 · “Well, I was working on the game show The Price is Right with Bob Barker and my friend who was the announcer Rod Roddy,” Segal said. Roddy died ...
[28]
Breast Cancer Awareness Means Men Too
Oct 7, 2019 · On September 11, 2001, Mr. Roddy was diagnosed with colon cancer, and in 2002 had a recurrence. In March of 2003, he was diagnosed with Breast ...
[29]
Rod Roddy Obituary (2003) - San Diego Union-Tribune - Legacy.com
Roddy, whose real name was Robert Ray Roddy, was born Sept. 18, 1937, in Fort Worth, Texas, Pitts said. He was a graduate of Texas Christian ...Missing: education | Show results with:education
[30]
Remembering Rod Roddy: A Live-Out-Loud Voice Silenced Too ...
Oct 29, 2009 · Six years ago on Oct. 27, 2003, colorful Price is Right announcer Rod Roddy lost his brave battle with colon and breast cancer at age 66.Missing: response | Show results with:response
[31]
<i>Price Is Right</i>'s Rod Roddy dies (10305) - Advocate.com
Oct 29, 2003 · Roddy, who got his TV start as the narrator on the ABC comedy Soap, died Monday in Los Angeles of cancer of the prostate, colon and breast, the ...
[32]
Rod Roddy Myths - Golden-Road.net
May 23, 2009 · This man had 3 types of cancer. The cancer was so bad it spread to his bones and all he did was go the show, and take TPN for nutrition during ...Missing: diet exercise
[33]
Howard Stern "tribute" to Rod - The Game Show Forum
Oct 31, 2003 · Howard thought 18 secs. was not enough "don't ever hire Bob Barker to do your eulogy!" He then proceeded to sing a warped tribute to Rod to the tune of CANDLE ...
[34]
Bob Barker and Rod Roddy - The Game Show Forum
Sep 3, 2009 · For Rod Roddy to only be paid scale was a slap in the face. Scale was what some newbie fresh out of Game Show Announcers School would be paid.