Charlie O'Donnell, a television announcer best known for his elongated introduction of "Wheeeeeeel of Fortune" during the 28 years that he was the game show's off-stage voice, has died. He was 78.

O'Donnell, who was also Dick Clark's early sidekick on TV's "American Bandstand," died Monday of natural causes at his home in Sherman Oaks, his family said.

"He quite literally was the voice of 'Wheel,'" Pat Sajak, the show's host, told The Times on Tuesday. "He had an old-school style that was a little over the top. It was perfect for the show. We're a little over the top."