Don Pardo, ‘Saturday Night Live’ Announcer, Dies at Age 96

Don Pardo, a famed announcer for ‘Saturday Night Live,’ passed away Monday (Aug. 18) at the age of 96 years old.

The New York Times reports that Pardo’s daughter confirmed his death.

Pardo worked on ‘SNL’ from the show’s debut in October 1975 until the end of last season, missing only the seventh season. His voice proved to be an iconic and memorable element of the show.

“Every year the new cast couldn’t wait to hear their name said by him,” ‘SNL’ creator Lorne Michaels told the New York Times.

In a 2010 Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame video tribute to the announcer, ‘SNL’ alum Maya Rudolph expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “The moment you said my name was the height of my career.” (Quote via the New York Times.)

Although Pardo’s career began in radio, he also lent his voice to shows such as ‘The Price Is Right’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ Additionally, USA Today reports the announcer contributed to ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ made a cameo in “Weird Al” Yankovic‘s 1984 song ‘I Lost on Jeopardy,’ and even appeared on ’30 Rock.’

According to USA Today, on Nov. 22, 1963, Pardo made NBC’s first on-air announcement that President Kennedy had been shot.

PopCrush sends our thoughts to Pardo’s family and friends during this sad time.

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Source: Don Pardo, ‘Saturday Night Live’ Announcer, Dies at Age 96