Former ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Announcer Rich Fields Reveals What Pat Sajak Was Like Behind-the-Scenes
Rich Fields was one of the announcers on Wheel of Fortune following Charlie O’Donnell’s death in 2010 and had nothing but great things to say about his time working with Pat Sajak and Vanna White.
“[They were] gracious, welcoming from the get-go,” Fields revealed on the Come On Big Money podcast. “Their attitude and personality interactions with me never changed from show number one to show number 58, or however many I did with them. [They’re] just really giving, professional people.”
Fields was called in to temporarily replace O’Donnell the day after the show’s longtime announcer died on November 1, 2010. He was greeted warmly by Sajak. “Pat even said to me the very first day when I met him in his dressing room, ‘We all understand you’re coming in under very difficult circumstances, so just go ahead and do your best and make Charlie proud,’” he recalled.
He went on to serve as announcer for 55 episodes, but the permanent position was eventually given to Jim Thornton in June 2011. Thornton is still the show’s announcer to this day. O’Donnell was with the show from 1975 until 1980, when he briefly took another job before returning to Wheel in 1989. He stayed on as MC until his death. Meanwhile, Fields previously worked with both Bob Barker and Drew Carey when he served as announcer on The Price Is Right from 2004 to 2010.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
During his tenure on Wheel of Fortune, Fields didn’t witness any major puzzle blunders or fails. However, he said he has a distinct memory of his first live taping.
Related
‘Wheel of Fortune’: Pat Sajak Makes Hilarious Cameo Appearance on Show
“It was the very first introduction of Pat and Vanna and I’d only heard it on TV from Charlie, but I don’t think I ever said it myself,” Fields explained. “And I got to say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, Pat Sajak and Vanna White!’ As soon as I got done doing that, they’re walking out, and Mr. Sajak was like, as clear as a bell, ‘Thank you Rich. Rich Fields, our guest announcer today.’ And, God, it was just like … holy mackerel. I forgot about Pat always saying, ‘Thank you, Charlie.’ Just to hear him say my name was surreal for me.”
News
“From International Sex Symbol to Private Heartbreak—The Tragic Final Act of Sophia Loren’s Legendary Life Is Leaving Fans in Tears”
Sophia Loren at 90: The Tragic Reality Behind a Hollywood Legend’s Final Years Sophia Loren, one of the last true…
“Internet MELTS Over Jenna Bush Hager’s Gorgeous Husband and Adorable Kids—Viewers Say ‘This Is America’s First Family 2.0!’”
Try Not to Gasp When You See Jenna Bush Hager’s Husband & Kids Jenna Bush Hager may be a familiar…
“Ainsley Earhardt Sparks Outrage with Daring Fashion Choice Just Days After Confirming Engagement to Sean Hannity—Critics Say She’s ‘Too Flashy for Fox!’”
Ainsley Earhardt’s Fashion Sparks Controversy Amid Engagement to Sean Hannity Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt, the newly engaged fiancée of Sean Hannity,…
“Fox News Power Couple EXPOSED: Ainsley and Hannity’s Hidden Engagement Finally Revealed—Here’s How They’re Making It Work!”
Ainsley Earhardt Opens Up About Long-Distance Engagement with Sean Hannity – “We Make It Work” Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt and Sean Hannity shocked…
“From Anchor to Aftershock: Ainsley Earhardt’s World Turned Upside Down by Husband’s Alleged Affair—Fox News Star Faces Ultimate Personal and Public Humiliation!”
Fox News Star Ainsley Earhardt SPLITS from Husband Amid Shocking Infidelity Scandal with Her Close Friend! Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt has…
“Harris Faulkner’s Savage Takedown of Whoopi and Sunny Goes Viral After Explosive Ratings Victory!”
Harris Faulkner Slams The View Hosts After Her Shocking Ratings Win—What She Really Thinks of Whoopi Goldberg and Sunny Hostin…
End of content
No more pages to load