Michael Nicholas Salvatore Bongiorno (Italian: [bɔnˈdʒorno, - bonˈ-]; May 26, 1924 – September 8, 2009) was an American Italian television presenter. After a few experiences in the U.S., he started working on RAI in the 1950s and was considered to be the most popular host in Italy. He was also known by the nickname il Re del Quiz ('The Quiz King'), and the peculiarity of starting all his shows with his trademark greeting: Allegria! ('Cheers!', 'Joy!'). He has hosted many game shows like Lascia o raddoppia? (The $64,000 Question), Rischiatutto! (Jeopardy!), Scommettiamo? (Wanna Bet?), Bis (Concentration) (1981–1990), Superflash (1982–1985), Pentatlon (1985–1987), Telemike (1987–1992), Tris (1990–1991), the math game Tutti per uno (Family Feud, 1992), La ruota della fortuna (Wheel of Fortune, 1989-2003) and Il migliore - Sfida d’intelligenza (Brainiest, 2006-2007). He was also the host of the Sanremo Music Festival (1963-1967, 1972-1973, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1997)
