Longtime NBC Announcer Don Pardo Dies At 96

  • 10 years ago
Don Pardo, who was the highly recognized voice announcer of ‘Saturday Night Live’ passed away in Tucson on August 18th. He was 96 years old.

Don Pardo, who was the highly recognized voice announcer of ‘Saturday Night Live’ passed away in Tucson on August 18th. He was 96 years old.

Pardo had a long career with NBC, having started as a radio announcer back in 1944. Two years later, he moved into the world of television.

He began announcing for the original ‘The Price Is Right,’ and ‘Choose Up Sides', which was a kids’ show where Pardo actually appeared on camera as the character of ‘Mr. Mischief’.

He was also the voice behind the original ‘Jeopardy!’ and helped start the famous phrase ‘Don Pardo, tell her what she's won!’ He worked as the announcer for ‘Saturday Night Live’ or ‘S.N.L.’ until the end of the last season in May.

He performed introductions for the show since the very first airing in October of 1975. The only episodes his voice wasn’t heard are all from season 7.

S.N.L. creator Lorne Michaels stated “Every year the new cast couldn’t wait to hear their name said by him.” Michaels is reportedly planning on presenting a tribute to Pardo next season.

Pardo is survived by his three daughters, Dona, Katherine and Paula and his two sons Michael and David.

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