May 17, 2024

Don Pardo, Legendary ‘Saturday Night Live’ Announcer, Has Died

When “Saturday Night Live” reopens for business this fall, one of its longest-lasting and most instrumental voices will no longer be around for the ride.

Don Pardo, the legendary announcer whose words guided “SNL” for almost four decades, died in his sleep on Monday evening, NBC confirms. Pardo was 96.

Pardo was the announcer for “SNL” from the very first episode in 1975, missing only one season of the historic late night sketch comedy series (from 1981 to 1982). His booming voice accompanied virtually every episode of the series to announce the regular cast members, musical guests, and special hosts.

In 2010, Pardo was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. After breaking his hip in March 2013, Pardo was forced to miss two episodes of “SNL.” He was back at work the following September, introducing the cast just as he always did, with that iconic voice of his. It would be his final season of the show.

In the hours following his death, remembrances for Pardo are beginning to pour out, including from current “SNL” cast member Bobby Moynihan:

Leave your remembrances for Pardo in the comments below.

Likes pizza, punch and pie. Dislikes the Chitauri.

@roundhoward

About the author  ⁄ Josh Wigler

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