LOCAL : ‘Make a Deal’ Announcer Kills Self

Jay Stewart, announcer of the television game show “Let’s Make a Deal,” died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound outside the garage at his home in Hollywood, police said. He was 71.

Officers were called to the home about 4 p.m. Sunday after neighbors and relatives reported hearing a gunshot, detective Russell Kuster said. “There was a last will and testament on his person, and some sort of a suicide note, but I can’t give that to you,” Kuster said.

“Let’s Make a Deal,” the popular game show hosted by Monty Hall, premiered on NBC in 1963, and later moved to ABC until 1976. A popular feature of the show was “Jay’s Tray” in which the announcer, whose real name was Jay Fix, brought down a studio aisle to Hall a covered item --sometimes valuable, sometimes not. Hall bargained with a contestant over its contents.

During his career Stewart announced for several radio and television programs, including the “Kate Smith Hour,” “Carnation Family Party” and “It’s Fun to Be Young.” He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, and two daughters.