SNL announcer for four decades Don Pardo, died at age 96

The magisterial announcer of Saturday Night Live, Don Pardo has died Monday. The radio announcer Don Pardo, whose voice became the standard in the field died on Monday in Arizona at the age of 96.

His daughter Dona Pardo confirmed the death. 

Few would recognize his face, but most would know his voice because he would introduce the lineup with “Saturday Night Live” almost four decades.

Mr. Pardo was with SNL for 38 years and every American knew his voice for more than half a century. He started with SNL for first episode in October 1975, continued at the last season, recently performing the introductions on the finale in May. He missed only season 7. 

He had been the announcer for many years on the widely watched game shows “The Price Is Right” and “Jeopardy!” 

"My voice is my Achilles' heel," Pardo said in a 1985 interview with The Associated Press. "When I get sick, it's always my voice." 

Mr. Pardo retired from NBC from 2004. In 2010, he was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Hall of Fame. In the later years he recorded his introduction from home.

He was the great man and his voice always is with us.