Bill Wendell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Wendell
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Bill Wendell's last appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman (August 18, 1995).
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| Born |
William Joseph Wenzel Jr.
March 22, 1924 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | April 14, 1999 (aged 75) Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
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| Occupation | Announcer |
| Years active | 1950s – 1995 |
Bill Wendell (born William Joseph Wenzel Jr. on March 22, 1924 – died April 14, 1999) was a well-known American television announcer. He spent most of his career working for the NBC network. He was famous for his clear voice and friendly style, which made him a favorite announcer for many TV shows.
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Bill Wendell's Life and Career
Early Life and Start in Radio
Bill Wendell was born in New York City. During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corps. After the war, he went to Fordham University and studied speech.
He began his career in radio in 1947 in Rochester, New York. Later, he moved to Detroit, where he worked in both radio and television. In 1952, Wendell returned to New York City. He started working on the DuMont television network before joining NBC in 1955.
Becoming a Famous Announcer
At NBC, Bill Wendell became a regular announcer on The Ernie Kovacs Show from 1955 to 1956. He also took part in funny skits on the show. He worked with many famous TV personalities like Steve Allen, Jack Paar, and Dave Garroway.
In 1958, Wendell became the host of the game show Tic Tac Dough. He hosted the show until it ended in 1959. After that, he continued his work as a staff announcer at NBC. He was part of a special group of announcers who had lifetime contracts with the network.
Announcing for Game Shows and Parades
During the 1970s, Bill Wendell announced for the popular game show To Tell the Truth from 1972 to 1977. He also announced for Sale of the Century and the famous Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
For many years, when TV channels didn't broadcast all day and night, Wendell would read a short news summary. This was the last program NBC-TV would offer to local stations at the end of the day. You could hear his voice, but you would see still pictures related to the news.
Working with David Letterman
Bill Wendell is perhaps best known for being the announcer for David Letterman. He started with Letterman on his morning show in 1980. He then continued as the main announcer for NBC's Late Night with David Letterman from 1982 to 1993.
Besides his announcing duties, Wendell sometimes appeared in sketches on the show. He often played himself, adding to the fun. When David Letterman moved to CBS in 1993 to start the Late Show with David Letterman, Bill Wendell went with him and continued as the announcer.
Retirement and Later Work
Bill Wendell retired in the middle of 1995. His last episode on the Late Show was on August 18, 1995. After his retirement, Alan Kalter took over as the announcer.
Before working with David Letterman, Wendell was also the announcer for Tom Snyder's The Tomorrow Show. Wendell also appeared as a TV announcer in the movie Mr. Saturday Night, starring Billy Crystal. His last major job was as the voice for Old Navy's "fashion show" commercials.
Death
Bill Wendell passed away in 1999 in Boca Raton, Florida, due to complications from cancer. He was 75 years old.
