west was mentored through the early years of his broadcasting career by the legendary television game show announcer johnny olson after they met in 1971 on the set of the syndicated version of "what's my line?", when west was 18 years old. following johnny's death in 1985, the olson family entrusted randy with the many mementos, photos, clippings, awards and scripts that johnny had saved during his 50+ year career in broadcasting. an extensive tribute to johnny olson is included at west's personal web site, as is a separate tribute to rod roddy, who died in 2003. west has since authored a biography of olson, entitled "johnny olson: a voice in time".