Legendary bowler and broadcaster Randy Pedersen dead at 64

Hall of Fame bowler and broadcaster Randy Pedersen died Wednesday at the age of 64, according to the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA).

Pedersen won 13 PBA titles in his career and served as the league’s lead color analyst for a record 25 years.

“Randy was supremely talented in everything he did. Bowling, golf, comedy, broadcasting, anything. He was a force, a giant in sports and on TV,” PBA Commissioner Tom Clark said in a release. “He was our friend, our partner. Randy was our voice. He was my brother. I spoke with so many people today who loved him. There will never be another Randy Pedersen. Please hug the people you love.”

Professional bowler Randy Pedersen attends the CP3 PBA Celebrity Invitational Charity Bowling Tournament at Lucky Strike Lanes at L.A. Live in Los Angeles on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. Imeh Akpanudosen

Pedersen, who grew up in Southern California before moving to Florida, won his 13 PBA titles from 1986-2002 and claimed his only major in 1987 when he triumphed at the PBA National Championship.

He also emerged victorious in his first senior tour event in 2013 at the PBA50 Dayton Classic.

Pedersen’s success earned him a spot in the PBA Hall of Fame in 2011 and later the United States Bowling Congress Hall of Fame in 2025.

Hollywood, Florida, bowler Randy Pedersen autographs a pin for a fan at Crown Lanes in Tampa, Florida, on April 17, 1997. St Petersburg Times/ZUMA Press Wire / Shutterstock

He also starred behind the mic for 25 years after becoming a color commentator in 2001, with the PBA’s release stating he called some of its most iconic moments in the 2000s.

“With his signature blend of charisma, humor, and analysis,” the league started, “Pedersen elevated professional bowing for more than a quarter century.”

Bob Learn Jr., a former pro bowler and coach, praised Pedersen in a Facebook post.

“Everyone on tour has a story to tell about Randy, as he always had something funny to say. We traveled together when he won his first title in Union City, CA, and I bowled against him in the semi final when he won his last tournament in Dayton, OH nearly 30 years later,” Learn wrote.

“He was talented on the lanes and on the mic as the voice of the PBA over the past 20+ years. He will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. 🙏🙏.”

Randy Pedersen, right, is shown in this undated photo. Pedersen, among the most important professional bowling figures of the past 40 years, died Wednesday, Sept. 16, at age 64. John Fanta / Facebook

Lucas Wiseman, a former longtime bowling writer, said goodbye to Pedersen while seemingly indicating that he may have been battling mental health issues.

“Today is a tough day for the sport of bowling,” Wiseman wrote late Wednesday afternoon. “The news will come out when it’s time. If you are struggling and need help, please reach out to someone. And if you don’t have anyone, call 988 and they will help you day or night.”

He later wrote: “RIP in an absolute legend in our sport. It was an honor to know him and spend time with him. Randy Pedersen, you will be missed by many.”

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