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October 27, 2003
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ROD RODDY DIES IN LOS ANGELES
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Announcer on CBS's?"The Price is Right" Was 66 ?
Rod Roddy, the announcer for the CBS game show THE PRICE IS RIGHT since 1986, died on Monday, October 27?at Century City Hospital in Los Angeles after a long battle with prostate, colon and breast cancer. In the years since his diagnosis, Roddy became an outspoken advocate for early detection in the battle against colon cancer. ?
Roddy had a long radio career hosting both music and talk shows on stations in Dallas-Fort Worth, Miami, Orlando, Little Rock, New Orleans, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta, Buffalo, New York and Los Angeles. ?
In 1977, he came to television as the narrator of the comedy series "Soap" on ABC. In 1979, he began an uninterrupted run as the announcer on a series of popular game shows, beginning with "Whew!" on CBS. This was followed by "Battlestars" on CBS in 1981, "Hit Man" on NBC in 1983 and "Press Your Luck" on CBS from 1983-86. Roddy was the original announcer on the syndicated "Love Connection" (1983-85) before joining Bob Barker on THE PRICE IS RIGHT. ?
Internationally, Roddy was the official ambassador of Chaing Mai, Thailand, and traveled there frequently to create his signature colorful Thai silk wardrobe, featured on THE PRICE IS RIGHT. ?
Roddy played himself in a 1998 episode of the CBS series "Martial Law," as well as a 1999 episode of "That 70's Show." He also provided the voice of "Mike the Microphone" in the Saturday morning cartoon "House of Mouse," and in the video "Mickey's House of Villains." ?
"We grew to love the wonderful sense of humor Rod demonstrated during the many years he was with THE PRICE IS RIGHT," said host and executive producer Bob Barker. "He was devoted to the show and all of us were deeply fond of him, as were his many television fans. He never complained during his long battle with cancer. The courage he showed during those difficult times was an inspiration to us all. Unquestionably, the things we'll remember most about him are his sense of humor and his courage." ?
"The CBS Family is devastated by the loss of Rod Roddy," said Barbara Bloom, Senior Vice President, Daytime Programs. "Rod was one of Hollywood's great announcers long before his 17 years with THE PRICE IS RIGHT. He was valued for his keen creative instincts, his wonderful sense of fun and, above all, that magnificent voice. We will miss his warm friendship, his generosity and his good humor, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to Rod's family and to his many friends."

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"We at THE PRICE IS RIGHT and FremantleMedia mourn the passing of a beloved member of our family," said Syd Vinnedge, Fremantle Media. "Rod Roddy's contribution over the past 17 years went way beyond that of a professional cast member. His irrepressible good humor was a surefire antidote to anyone's down days and over the past two years, Rod's enormous courage was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him." ?
Born Robert Ray Roddy in Fort Worth, Texas, Roddy was a graduate of Texas Christian University. Private funeral services will be held in Texas, with a memorial service planned in Los Angeles in several weeks. ?
Contributions in Roddy's memory can be made to: ?
Rod Roddy Memorial Fund
The Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance c/o Entertainment Industry Foundation
11132 Ventura Blvd., Suite 401
Studio City, CA 91604
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Contact:        Beth Haiken             323/525-2103                       beth.haiken@tvc.cbs.com
                Cindy Marshall  323/575-2019                    cindy.marshall@tvc.cbs.com 

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