Bill Cullen, Longtime Host Of TV Game Shows, Dies

LOS ANGELES - Bill Cullen, the dean of game-show hosts whose 35 network credits include such popular series as ``To Tell the Truth'' and ``The Price Is Right'' died yesterday. He was 70.

Cullen died of complications from lung cancer, at his home in Los Angeles, said his manager, George Spota.

As a celebrity panelist and master of ceremonies, Cullen was a down-to-earth and witty personality who was invited by Americans into their living rooms for more than 40 years.

Cullen was a panelist on CBS' ``I've Got a Secret'' from 1952 to 1967. He was also host of the original ``Price Is Right'' from 1957 to 1964 on NBC and on ABC.

Cullen appeared on radio and television game shows from 1944 through 1988.

His game show resume includes ``The $25,000 Pyramid,'' ``Three on a Match,'' ``Pass the Buck,'' ``To Tell the Truth'' and ``The Joker's Wild.''

Cullen was working in a garage in Pittsburgh in 1939 when he got his first job in broadcasting as an unpaid assistant disc jockey. He later became a regular announcer.

In 1943, Cullen moved to New York and became an announcer with the CBS radio network. A year later, he became announcer for the ``Winner Take All'' game show.

Cullen is survived by his wife, Ann, of 35 years.

Spota said funeral services will be held privately.