Born in Oldham Lancs., England in 1940, he emigrated to Australia in 1947 with his family. After finishing his education, he spent 7 years training as a naval officer, before getting his first job as a radio announcer in 1961. His big break was being noticed in a national commercial, which resulted in hosting the quiz show "Temptation". This followed with "Family Fued", "Wheel of Fortune", "Jeopardy" and 11 years of "Sale of the Century". He is married with two daughters.