Don Pardo, the Voice Behind 'Saturday Night Live,' Dead
While many would fail to recognize his face if he were to walk down the street, you would definitely know his famous tagline, "It's Saturday Night Live!"
Don Pardo, one of Hollywood's best known announcer has died. The man, who was the voice behind the introductions of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), passed away Monday at the age of 96. It was reported that the SNL veteran died while asleep in his home in Tucson, Arizona.
For 38 seasons, the baritone introduced all of SNL's favorites, from Chevy Chase to Tina Fey, noted the New York Times. Throughout his career, he was featured not only on television shows but also on radio programs. He was a wartime reporter during the Second World War, according to Mashable.
Before his long-term stint on SNL, he was also part of other NBC game shows like "The Price is Right," where he got his big break and moved onto other shows including both "Jeopardy!", "Winning Streak" and "Jackpot!," recalled Mashable.
"Every year the new cast couldn't wait to hear their name said by him," quoted The NY Times of Lorne Michaels, SNL's creator, on Monday night. He noted how being a part of Pardo's opening casting roll call was considered to be a validation by many stars who appeared on the show.
"The moment you said my name was the height of my career," recalled Maya Rudolph during the Mr. Pardo's 2010 induction into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.
Some stars took to Twitter to express their thoughts and pay their respects.
Rachel Dratch, who was a part off the show from 1999 to 2006, wrote over Twitter: "Any SNL actor will tell u:the ultimate moment of your career was hearing Don Pardo say your name. Each week he represented a dream come true."
Dane Cook also shared his thoughts in a message per TMZ: "I always wanted to host SNL and it was a lifelong mission. When I got it and got to NYC I had 1 must. Get a photo with the great Don Pardo. His voice set the tone of the show and hearing him usher in each host with his booming hijinx-y role call was in my dreams but saying my name finally. My dream came true. Thank you sir for spending time chatting and introducing me to America on that special Saturday night."
Pardo is survived by his three daugthers, two sons, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, noted the Times.
See the clip below of Pardo demonstrating his vocal abilities and diction: