Rod Roddy

Rod Roddy (September 28, 1937 – October 27, 2003), born Robert Ray Roddy, was a television announcer. Roddy was born in Fort Worth, Texas.

Related Topics:
September 28 - 1937 - October 27 - 2003 - Television - Announcer - Fort Worth, Texas

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He graduated from Texas Christian University and was a popular disc jockey and talk show host on KLIF and KNUS-FM (Dallas, Texas). His radio program, "Hotline," was one of several used by Oliver Stone as a basis for the movie "Talk Radio." Rod Roddy led a protest against the United Fund, claiming that persons who declined to contribute were fired from their jobs. He also featured guests who were protesting "lemon" cars. He is known for an episode with guest Maria Fletcher, a former Miss America who threw a cup of hot coffee on him during an interview, and for his arguments with "Dixie Leber," District Kleagle of the National Knights of the Ku Klux Klan.

Related Topics:
Texas Christian University - Disc jockey

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His long resume included the situation comedy Soap (1977-1981); also, the game shows Love Connection (1981-1985), Hit Man (1983) and Press Your Luck (1983-1986). It was on the last broadcast of Hit Man where Roddy uttered the most famous game-show contestant plug in history:

Related Topics:
Situation comedy - Soap - Game show - Love Connection - Hit Man - Press Your Luck

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"If you would like to become a contestant on Hit Man, forget it!"

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Roddy was best known as the announcer on The Price Is Right. He replaced Johnny Olson after his death in 1985, and continued until approximately August, 2003. Roddy was known on the show for his excitement and flamboyance. Frequently shown on camera while he announced 'the next contestant on the Price is Right', Roddy often wore impossibly loud and flamboyant outfits, particularly colorful sportjackets.

Related Topics:
The Price Is Right - Johnny Olson

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Roddy was diagnosed with colon and breast cancer in 2001. The diagnosis led Roddy to become a spokesperson for early detection of cancer. Roddy: "I could have prevented all this with a colonoscopy and, of course, that's the campaign I've been on since I had the first surgery...to everybody out there, 'Get a mammogram!' It can happen to men, too."

Related Topics:
Colon - Breast cancer - 2001

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While ill with his cancer for over two years, Rod Roddy continued to do announcing for The Price is Right as long as he could, right up to his last hospitalization two months before his death at the age of 66. As late as October 23, the CBS Early Show was inviting its viewers to send get well cards to Rod.

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Roddy's close friend, Bob Barker, dedicated an entire episode of The Price is Right to the memory of him shortly after his death.

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Roddy's delivery continues to be heard on reruns of the Toon Disney cartoon series Disney's House of Mouse, as the voice of Mike, the talking microphone that introduces each show. His voice and cartoon image also live on in the popular Price is Right video slot machines in casinos throughout America.

Related Topics:
Toon Disney - Disney's House of Mouse - Slot machine - Casino

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