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Rich Fields Remembers His Time as Announcer on Wheel of Fortune

Rich Fields took on the role of announcer for Wheel of Fortune following the passing of long-time announcer Charlie O’Donnell in 2010. Reflecting on his experience, Fields shared nothing but positive memories of working alongside Pat Sajak and Vanna White.

During an appearance on the Come On Big Money podcast, Fields stated, “They were gracious and welcoming from the very beginning. Their demeanor and the way they interacted with me remained consistent from my first appearance to my last.” He emphasized that Sajak and White were both generous and highly professional throughout his tenure.

Fields stepped into the role just a day after O’Donnell’s death on November 1, 2010. He recalled a warm welcome from Sajak, who reassured him, “We all understand you’re coming in under very difficult circumstances, so just do your best and make Charlie proud.” This encouraging sentiment set a positive tone for his time on the show.

Over the course of 55 episodes, Fields made a significant impact as the show’s announcer, even though his position was ultimately filled permanently by Jim Thornton in June 2011, a role Thornton continues to hold. Charlie O’Donnell had an impressively long tenure with the program, first starting in 1975 and returning in 1989 after a brief hiatus. Prior to joining Wheel of Fortune, Fields had experience as an announcer on The Price Is Right from 2004 to 2010, where he worked alongside both Bob Barker and Drew Carey.

While serving as announcer, Fields did not encounter any major gaffes or on-stage errors, but he fondly remembers his first live taping experience. “It was the very first introduction of Pat and Vanna. I had only heard it from Charlie before and never done it myself. Then I got to say, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, Pat Sajak and Vanna White!’” Fields reminisced about the moment, noting the thrill he felt when Sajak acknowledged him by name, a gesture that struck him profoundly. “Hearing him say my name was surreal,” he expressed, recalling how it reminded him of the times Sajak would acknowledge O’Donnell by saying, ‘Thank you, Charlie.’” The experience was one that highlighted the respect and camaraderie shared among the show’s team.

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