Gene Rayburn (Born Eugene Jelyevich in Christopher, Illinois)  
(December 22, 1917 – November 29, 1999)

Radio and television personality Gene Rayburn is best known as the
host of various editions of the popular NBC/CBS television game show
Match Game (1962-1982). Before appearing in television, Rayburn
was a very successful actor and radio performer. He had a popular
morning drive time radio show on WNEW (now WBBR) in New York
City. Gene Rayburn broke into television as the original program
announcer on Steve Allen‘s Tonight on NBC.