‘Saturday Night Live’ announcer and legend Don Pardo dead at 96
It’s the end of an era for “Saturday Night Live,” and we feel like the show will therefore never quite be the same.
NBC confirms that Don Pardo, the legendary announcer behind the sketch show, has died at the age of 96. He has been technically retired from the network for around a decade, but for several years now he continued to record the introductions to every episode of the show from his home in Arizona. He was a guy described often as warm, kind, and with a voice known by millions and millions of Americans.
The impact of Pardo is something that can be felt best by the people who were around the show over the years, who understood best the impact that came with having him say their names. Take a look at what some past and present cast members, writers, and even one former host had to say below (via social media).
- Seth Meyers – “RIP Don Pardo. A voice that meant so much.”
- Rachel Dratch – “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.”
- Jay Pharoah – “R.I.P to Don Pardo… #snl #legend — feeling sad”
- John Mulaney – “Goodbye Don Pardo. You worked from World War II until this May. You were cool as hell. I’m very lucky I got to talk to you those few times.”
- Christina Applegate – “Don Pardo thank you for saying my name twice. Dream come true. RIP LEGEND!”
- Paula Pell – “God bless Don Pardo’s sweet and legendary voice and soul. He will be deeply missed.”
- Bobby Moynihan – “On Sept 13th 2008 I heard Don Pardo say my name for the first time. I cried until the 16th. Thanks Don. I owe you a coffee.”
Pardo will clearly be missed. Thoughts go out to his family and loved ones today.
Photo: NBC