Longtime 'SNL' Announcer Don Pardo Dies at Age 96

Don Pardo, the longtime Saturday Night Live announcer, has passed away at age 96. The New York Times reported that Pardo's daughter, Dona Pardo, confirmed the news.

Pardo had been SNL's announcer since the show's inception in 1975, only missing Season 7. Through almost 40 seasons, it was Pardo's voice that introduced the world to talents like Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon.

Over the past season or two, there were a few episodes when sharp-eared SNL fans caught that Pardo wasn't announcing. According to the Times, Pardo was living in Arizona at the time of his death and had been recording his SNL material from there. On the few occasions that Pardo couldn't record the show's introductions, it often sounded like another castmember had stepped in with a Pardo impression.

"Every year the new cast couldn’t wait to hear their name said by him," SNL creator Lorne Michaels said to the Times.

In addition to SNL, Pardo's voice had graced shows like The Price Is Right, Jeopardy!, and NBC Nightly News.

Our condolences to the family of Don Pardo. He was a legend & a gentleman whose voice will never be forgotten. We're lucky to have known him
— SNL Weekend Update (@SNLUpdate) August 19, 2014

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.
— Bobby Moynihan (@bibbymoynihan) August 19, 2014

RIP Don Pardo. A voice that meant so much. http://t.co/X4q9TeHVbO
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) August 19, 2014