Jay Stewart
Jay Stewart was a legendary television and radio announcer whose distinctive voice became synonymous with some of the most iconic game shows of the mid-20th century. From his early days in radio to becoming a beloved figure on Let's Make a Deal, Stewart's career spanned nearly five decades, making him a true broadcasting icon.
Early Life and Radio Beginnings
Born Jay Stewart Fix on September 6, 1918, in Summitville, Indiana, Stewart's journey into entertainment began with humble roots. After graduating and winning a notable award in 1939 as one of the outstanding graduates in the United States, he quickly broke into show business. His initial career took shape in radio, landing announcing jobs at stations in various locations before moving forward in his broadcasting career. In 1953, Stewart's radio career took an interesting turn when he became the host of Radio's It Pays To Be Married. He was also one of the hosts for a Los Angeles-based program that aired from 1952 to 1961, demonstrating his versatility in the medium.
Rise to Game Show Prominence
Stewart's career truly blossomed in the world of game shows. He became perhaps best known for his work on Let's Make a Deal, where host Monty Hall praised him as "the best second banana you ever found in your life". On the show, Stewart was more than just an announcer - he actively participated onstage, often modeling the show's "zonk" prizes, which became a hallmark of his entertaining style. His announcing career expanded significantly in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Stewart was the primary announcer for Barry & Enright game shows from 1977 to 1981, including several popular productions. His professional reputation was such that he was even selected by Goodson Productions for special announcing assignments.
Personal Challenges and Professional Resilience
Stewart's life was not without significant personal struggles. In late 1981, he experienced a profound tragedy when his daughter Jamie died by suicide. This devastating event led him to take a year-and-a-half break from announcing and find solace in religion. During this challenging period, Stewart appeared on religious programming and did voiceover work for Christian broadcasting. He eventually returned to game shows in 1983 as the announcer for Sale of the Century, a position he held for five years. However, the pain of his daughter's loss ultimately led him to struggle with alcohol, which contributed to his departure from the show in January 1988.
Final Years and Legacy
In his later years, Stewart continued working in the entertainment industry. His final announcing position was a brief stint filling in for an ill announcer on a show in its final two weeks. Tragically, on September 17, 1989, just 11 days after his 71st birthday, Stewart died by suicide, leaving behind a note and testament. He had been experiencing severe personal challenges and chronic pain from his years of work. Despite the personal hardships, Jay Stewart remains remembered as a quintessential game show announcer who brought energy, humor, and personality to some of television's most beloved programs. His work on shows like Let's Make a Deal helped define the golden age of game show entertainment.
Works and Appearances
Radio
- It Pays To Be Married (Host, 1953)
- Various Los Angeles radio programs (1952-1961)
Television Game Shows
- Let's Make a Deal (Announcer/Prize Model, 1960s-1970s)
- Barry & Enright Game Shows (Primary Announcer, 1977-1981)
- Sale of the Century (Announcer, 1983-1988)
Other Media
- Religious broadcasting voiceover work
- Occasional television appearances and cameos
Jay Stewart's career exemplified the vibrant world of mid-20th century broadcasting, where announcers were more than just voices - they were integral personalities that brought shows to life.
