Peter Tomarken (1942 - 2006)

Now that I've had some time to let things sink in...I'd just like to share a few memories about the brief moments I was fortunate enough to work with Peter.

My very first encounter with him was when he called to inquire about doing segment producing work on "Card Sharks." He was directed to my line and the first thing he said was "This is Peter Tomarken, I was calling about the new version of "Card Sharks" you guys are doing." At first, I thought it was a prank call. Little did I know that it was really him and answered him back with a little suspicion. After realizing it was him, I got a bit flustered, but eventually got my act together and gave him the information that he needed.

I still remember that first day I met him in person over at the GSN studios in Culver City. We were testing out different hosts as we started to do work on the "Whammy" pilot and we brought in Peter. The run-through turned out to be a mere formality as he blew through the audition not missing a single beat. The first time he said "$5000 and a spin"...I had chills. Needless to say, I had to keep my fan side in check, but inside the geek side of me was grinning with delight.

I worked with Peter during the pilot process including run-throughs and rehearsals. And he was nothing but great during that month or so. He regaled us with stories about how he loved the show, how the show got yanked prematurely, and how his work there helped to sell "Wipeout." During those run-throughs I played the part of announcer and got quite the kick when Peter threw to me to announce the prizes at the end of the show.

As I've mentioned here before, he did a great job on that pilot. And it was such a joy to have him back to do the cameo on the 2nd season of "Whammy." My memory is foggy as to what made it in the final cut and what didn't, but his sense of humor as he stepped on stage with Todd proved what a class act he was. Was...geez...it's weird typing that...

After that, I saw him at a screening party for premiere of "Big Bucks: The Press Your Luck Scandal" with his wife and the last time I saw him was a couple of years ago as we were prepping for "The Price is Right: Live." He auditioned for the host gig. Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out, but the one thing I remember the most was him stepping in the room, seeing me, and saying, "Hey, Mandel's here...we can get this started now!" It's a bit selfish sounding of a memory, but for a game show fan like me, it really meant a lot for me to hear him say that.

Here's a pic of a moment I will always remember and cherish for the rest of my life:



The freaky thing...I was wearing that same argyle vest today...

Thanks, Peter, for all the years of great entertainment. Thanks for being an inspiration. Thanks for being so kind to a game show geek like me. You will be sorely missed...