Because of my tremendous respect for Bob Barker and for the show's high standards of professionalism I consider this a tremendous honor that few announcers have ever been treated to. Both Rod's and Johnny's shoes are huge; I can't think about filling them.
For anyone who works in front of an audience there is no thrill quite like that of feeling and hearing the evidence of the audience members' enjoyment. Laughter and applause really are powerful.
As I slowly managed to take what I had learned into a transition from contestant to announcer and warm-up, I first had to prove myself on pilots. And as you know, many pilots are taped for each show that is lucky enough to breakthrough to being a series.
From my years of work with so many game show production companies and their producers I'm probably no longer eligible to be a contestant on any American game show.
I can say without hesitation that there is certainly no greater show to be a contestant on than 'Price' - the prizes can be huge, and the whole world loves and watches the show. It's an American institution!
Of course watching a particularly exciting game or a wonderful contestant is always a joy.
'What's My Line' 1971 was a magical experience as I was still in my teens, and it was my first appearance. You know how they say you never forget 'your first'!
Because many of us have been in game shows for some time, there's always someone around who can share a story of Johnny O or Jay Stewart that I never heard.
If you have real passion for a career in game shows, be willing to serve an apprenticeship; it's the best way to learn.
Because these show are live, script pages are being switched during the program and new commercial teases might be yelled in your ear with just enough time to scribble them on scrap paper before reading them.
Over the long hours of taping 5, 6 or 7 episodes a day, we develop a great sense of family.
