Johnny Olson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnny Olson
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Olson in 1956
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| Born |
John Leonard Olson
May 22, 1910 Windom, Minnesota, U.S.
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| Died | October 12, 1985 (aged 75) Santa Monica, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Radio personality, television announcer |
| Years active | 1944–1985 |
| Spouse(s) |
Penelope Kathleen Powers Olson
(m. 1939) |
Johnny Olson (born John Leonard Olson; May 22, 1910 – October 12, 1985) was a well-known American radio and television announcer. He was especially famous for his work on many popular game shows. Johnny Olson was the main announcer for shows like To Tell the Truth, What's My Line?, Match Game, and The Price Is Right. He was still working on The Price Is Right when he passed away.
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Johnny Olson's Early Career
Johnny Olson started his career in radio. His first big job on a national radio network was in New York City in 1944. He and his wife hosted a fun show called Ladies Be Seated. This show involved audience members doing funny stunts, similar to another show called Truth or Consequences.
Before moving to New York, Olson hosted several radio shows in Chicago. One of these was Johnny Olson's Rumpus Room, a late-night variety show. He also hosted Johnny Olson's Luncheon Club on ABC radio.
Working in Early Television
Johnny Olson was also a pioneer in early television. In 1945, he and his wife hosted a TV version of Ladies Be Seated. From 1947 to 1949, he hosted Doorway to Fame, a talent show on the new DuMont Television Network.
He also hosted Johnny Olson's Rumpus Room as a daytime talk show from 1949 to 1952. This was one of the first daytime shows broadcast from DuMont's main station in New York. Olson even hosted a Saturday-morning children's show called Kids and Company from 1951 to 1952.
Becoming a Famous Announcer
Johnny Olson became a very busy announcer on television. He worked on game shows like Break the Bank and Fun for the Money. He was also the announcer for Play Your Hunch.
In 1960, Olson started announcing for the popular CBS game show To Tell the Truth. The next year, he also began working on What's My Line?. In 1962, he joined the original Match Game on NBC. Before these shows went live, Olson would warm up the audience, getting them excited for the broadcast.
He even appeared as a mystery guest on What's My Line? twice. The first time, in 1965, the celebrity panel couldn't guess who he was!
Olson also announced for The Jackie Gleason Show from 1962 to 1970. He continued his work on What's My Line? and To Tell the Truth even after they moved to a different type of TV broadcast called syndication. His work on these shows ended when he moved to Hollywood to announce for the new versions of The Price Is Right and I've Got a Secret in 1972.
He also announced for five of The Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethons, which were big charity events.
The Price Is Right and His Catchphrase
Johnny Olson became most famous for his work on the revival of The Price Is Right. He was more than just an announcer; he was a beloved part of the show. He would warm up the audience before taping, and often appeared on camera, chatting with the host, Bob Barker. He also frequently took part in the "showcases," which were big prize packages.
His most famous line was calling contestants to "Come on down!" This phrase became a well-known catchphrase and is still used by the announcers on The Price Is Right today. His successors, Rod Roddy, Rich Fields, and George Gray, have all continued this tradition.
Later Career and Other Game Shows
After The Price Is Right, Olson also began announcing for the revived Match Game. During the 1970s and early 1980s, when he was busiest with The Price Is Right and Match Game, he worked on many other game shows.
He announced for shows like:
- Now You See It
- Concentration
- Mindreaders
- Double Dare
- Body Language
- The 1982–84 version of Tattletales
He also sometimes filled in as announcer for other shows, including:
- Blockbusters
- Card Sharks
- Password Plus
- The Match Game-Hollywood Squares Hour
Johnny Olson's Passing
On October 6, 1985, Johnny Olson had a stroke. He was taken to St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica, California. He passed away on October 12, 1985, at the age of 75.
After his death, Bob Barker, the host of The Price Is Right, paid tribute to him on the show. Barker told the audience that Johnny Olson was a dear friend who would be greatly missed. Even after his passing, Johnny Olson's voice could still be heard on episodes of The Price Is Right that had been taped before he died.
