Don Pardo

1918 - 2014

Don Pardo

1918 - 2014

BORN

1918

DIED

2014

Don Pardo Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 19, 2014.
NEW YORK (AP) — Don Pardo, the durable television and radio announcer whose booming baritone became as much a part of the cultural landscape as the shows and products he touted, died Monday. He was 96.

Read what others are saying about Don Pardo.

Pardo died peacefully at his home in Tucson, Arizona, where he moved after retiring from "Saturday Night Live," said his daughter, Dona Pardo. Creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels asked him to continue with the show, so he flew back and forth to New York for many years. In recent years, he recorded his introductions from his Tucson home.

Few recognized the face of Pardo, a handsome man with a strong chin and confident smile. But Pardo's majestic delivery, with its swoops in pitch and pregnant pauses, graced newscasts, game shows and TV programs for more than 60 years. During the original version of "Jeopardy!," his answers to the question, "Tell 'em what they've won, Don Pardo," became a memorable part of the program.

And he was an integral part of "Saturday Night Live" for almost four decades in his role heralding the cast's names to kick off each show, which led former cast member Jimmy Fallon to comment later, "Nothing is like the moment when Don Pardo says your name."

During his career, Pardo's resonant voice-over style was widely imitated and became the standard in the field. His was no ordinary voice and he guarded it closely, with cough drops always at the ready.

"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."

Dominick George Pardo was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, on Feb. 22, 1918, and grew up in Norwich, Connecticut.

One of his first jobs was that of ticket-taker at a local movie theater; even then, his voice was commanding.

"I'd go out there with a cape and say: 'Standing room only in the mezzanine. Immediate seating in the balcony.'"

His father, Dominick, owned a small bakery and had wanted his son to join the business. But Pardo followed his own dream and, after graduating from Boston's Emerson College in 1942, began his vocal career at radio station WJAR in Providence, Rhode Island.

Two years later, he met a supervisor at NBC who hired the young Pardo immediately upon hearing his voice. He moved to NBC's New York affiliate, and never left the network.

Pardo made his mark right away, reading news dispatches on the radio filed from the front lines during World War II. After the war, he became an announcer for such shows as the "Arthur Murray Party," ''Colgate Comedy Hour" and "Your Show of Shows."

In 1954, he was brought in to announce "Winner Takes All," beginning a long run in game shows. His voice was heard on the "The Price is Right" in its early years, and he was the announcer on the original "Jeopardy!" (1964-75), hosted by Art Fleming.

Then in 1975, NBC launched "Saturday Night Live" with Pardo as its announcer, introducing him to a new generation of viewers with a voice as magnificent as ever — although, on opening night, he botched one of the credits. Instead of saying "The Not Ready for Prime Time Players," Pardo introduced the show's new comedy troupe as "The Not for Ready Prime Time Players." But with a voice like his, any name sounded impressive.

Aside from Season 7, when he was displaced, Pardo remained the "SNL" announcer for decades.

He also introduced sportscaster Len Berman's "Spanning the World" compilations of funny sports moments, a regular feature on the "Today" show. ("Tune in next time ... if there IS a next time.")

In between working on all these shows, Pardo often spent several hours a day in an NBC sound studio, letting viewers know before each break to a commercial that the last program was brought to them by a certain advertiser. As such, he was one of the last network "booth announcers" working a regular daily shift, a classic broadcasting duty that fell prey to the modern age of easily pre-recorded messages.

And every weekday afternoon for several years in the 1980s, Pardo would quickly clad himself in a tie and blazer to step on camera long enough to announce the local New York station's "Live at Five" newscast — although Pardo's vocal alchemy rendered it as "Liiiiiiive at Fiiiiiive!"

Pardo retired from NBC in 2004.

"But ('SNL' executive producer) Lorne Michaels called me soon after and asked if I would continue for three more weeks, so I did," Pardo told the AP in 2010. "Then he called and asked if I would do five more, and so on. I never really left."

For several years, Pardo commuted from his retirement town of Tucson, Ariz., each week the show aired. He arrived to open the show in Rockefeller Center's fabled Studio 8H, just as he had always done, then caught a returning flight. At the end of the show on Feb. 23, 2008, he was brought on camera to blow out the candles of a birthday cake in celebration of his 90th birthday.

In later years, he recorded his introductions each week from home.

During his career, Pardo appeared in several movies, mostly as himself or an announcer like himself, including "Radio Days," Woody Allen's celebration of the Golden Age of broadcasting, in which Pardo played a game show host. He also made a guest appearance on Frank Zappa's 1978 album, "Zappa in New York," and "Weird Al" Yankovic's 1984 album, "In 3-D."

In 2009, he made a guest appearance on the NBC sitcom "30 Rock."

And his services were also retained for commercials. In a mid-1990s spot for long-distance provider MCI, he played host of the "AT&T True-False Quiz." Pardo posed the question whether "every AT&T customer gets true savings." A buzzer went off. "False!" he boomed. "Forty million save nothing."

In 2010 he was inducted into the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Hall of Fame.

Pardo is survived by five children.

___

FRAZIER MOORE, AP Television Writer


Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Don Pardo's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

August 8, 2020

George Lowe posted to the memorial.

December 29, 2014

Pardo Roedolof posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2014

Josh posted to the memorial.

55 Entries

George Lowe

August 8, 2020

You changed my life!
Plus I once visited with you by phone for what must have been the most exciting phone call I ever had. You set me on my path which included working with Darrell Hammond in Orlando.
Sorry this is two hundred years late and thank you anyway!

Pardo Roedolof

December 29, 2014

To the Pardo family,my condolences

Josh

November 11, 2014

To the Pardo family, my deepest sympathy. Please take comfort in 2 Corinthinas 1: 3,4 during this most difficult time.

Philip

October 9, 2014

Thank you Don! I took your voice for granted...forgive me! You were a constant in a world that always changed.

Faith Tobin

September 18, 2014

Dear Pardo Family my condolences's to the Pardo Family on the passing of Don Pardo.he'll surely be missed.luv,Faith

Loretta Mc

August 30, 2014

Condolences to the family of Mr. Don Pardo,

Each of us will always hold a special place in our hearts for Don Pardo.

May you find comfort that Mr. Pardo is in God's memory, with so many others of our dear ones, awaiting to be awakened.  Until then keep his advice, kindness, and all memories he shared with each of you alive.

Zhaire

August 28, 2014

I am very sorry for your lost and may the god of comfort be with you

August 28, 2014

Such a well-respected and renowned man. You have my deepest sympathy. My sincere wish is that God comforts all those who already miss Don's presence and grant you peace during this difficult time. I hope that your good memories of him bring you comfort when you need it the most.

zhaire

August 25, 2014

I am very sorry for your lost and may the god of comfort be with you

B. C.

August 25, 2014

With deep sorry we say goodbye to a legend. We are thankful to Mr. Pardo for entertaining us with his soothing voice over the decades. May the peace of God envelop the Pardo family during your time of sorrow and fill your thoughts with pleasant memories of Don Pardo and his many, many accomplishments. His presence will be greatly missed!

A N

August 23, 2014

To the Pardo family,

You have my deepest sympathy. May good memories provide solace for you and your family during this challenging time and may God provide you with the assurance that you will see your loved one again. (John 17:3)

ken ross

August 22, 2014

the ross family from your town of choice, demarest, nj wish to send their sympathies to paula, donna, mike, david and kathy! my mom is still around at 92 but dad passed 20 yrs ago. i wish i knew of the wake/funeral so i could pay respects, but clearly you all want privacy. if any of the family reads this you can certainly respond at [email protected]. it has been a long time! be well, he is at peace! and with mom again. . .

NANCY ALTARAS

August 22, 2014

I CAN REMEMBER DON PARDO'S RICH BARRITONE VOICE IN MANY THINGS. HE WAS A LEGEND, EVEN WHEN I WAS A YOUNGSTER. HE DID MANY INTROS, GAME HOST SHOWS, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, YOU NAME IT. I COULD GO ON AND ON, AND I AM SURE THERE ARE A LOT OF FOLKS WHO REMEMBER THEIR FAVORITE THING HE DID. I JUST WANTED MY NAME FOR THE RECORD, AND I DO REMEMBER HIM. HE WILL BE TERRIBLY MISSED, BUT I PROMISE YOU ALL, NEVER FORGOTTEN! A GREAT MAN! ANOTHER PART OF MY PAST GONE!

August 21, 2014

August 21
God says for everyone who calls on His name will be saved.
Rom:21;4

Wayne Serbin

August 21, 2014

Don, I remember when you were the announcer on TV's "Three Steps to Heaven" in the 1950's. May your soul rest in peace.

Viola Ramjohn

August 21, 2014

Thank you for your kindness over the years. Rest in peace my friend.

August 21, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hm_opLymDY4

August 21, 2014

To Don's children: My sincere sympathy in the loss of your beloved father. He will always be remembered as a true gentleman. He is now reunited with your mother and both of them are your angels. A friend

Art Mauger

August 20, 2014

What a powerful GOD GIVEN talented voice he was given! I remember many blessed years listening to his voice on TV. He will be easy to find, listen for his voice in the Heavenly Choir. Art Mauger.

Ms. Robertson

August 20, 2014

My Deepest Sympathy to your family and friends. I found comfort in the scriptures which speaks about a time when no one will be sick. Enjoyed the show.

Lourdes Perez

August 20, 2014

I will miss your beautiful voice, the angels can hear you now.

debora

August 20, 2014

Rest in peace my firend

Phyllis Podesva

August 20, 2014

I liked he's speaking voice he will be misssec my prayers go out to his family .

CBG

August 20, 2014

RIP and God bless Don Pardo. I will miss hearing his fabulous voice very much.

Keely Smith

August 20, 2014

My deepest sympathies to Mr. Pardo's family. Adjusting to the loss of a loved one is never easy, but I hope your hearts can be comforted by God's promise to soon remove death and all causes of suffering.

Katherine Leann Ladd

August 19, 2014

The most beautiful voice has been stilled - I loved hearing him and then one night I saw him and that made his voice even more beautiful!!!! Thank you for all the years of hearing your voice - RIP and walk in beauty!!!!

john allen

August 19, 2014

St.Peter : "Ohh..Don, welcome! Allow me to tell you what you've won."
ETERNALLLLL HAPPINESS! THATS RIGHT DON! and you won't need any SAMSONITE LUGGAGE!! because everything you need is right here! Where's HERE you ask? HEAVEN!! That's right Don!! Welcome and COME ON IN!"
(RIP to a legend)
Jack - rhode island

Jillian

August 19, 2014

May the Beautiful Memories of your loved one provide solace and strength to you and your family during this difficult time. May you also find comfort in God's promise of life without end. Matthew 5:5 , Acts 25:15

August 19, 2014

The Godfather of announcements and intros. His next line will be.
LIVE FROM HEAVEN. IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT.
Be well Don

S. Mitchell

August 19, 2014

Death is such a painful ordeal to contend with..May all those mourning the death of Don, find peace and comfort in God's word. .1Cor 1:3,4

Bankston

August 19, 2014

May the comfort and strength only God can supply be with you during this difficult time.

S. Mitchell

August 19, 2014

Death is such a painful ordeal to contend with..May all those mourning the death of Don, find peace and comfort in God's word. .1Cor 1:3,4

Grant Carrera

August 19, 2014

We'll miss your baritone voice from God ; rest in peace sir.

Richard Farkas

August 19, 2014

St. Peter will announce you are on the way to the Lord. God Bless. R.I.P.

Harry Simpson

August 19, 2014

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

August 19, 2014

Deepest condolences to the family. 1 Corinthians 15:26.

August 19, 2014

Just think - when we're at Heaven's door - we'll all recognize that wonderful voice, welcoming us in! Deepest sympathy to your family - and God bless you all.

Pat from Ohio

Patty

August 19, 2014

Don Pardo's voice has always been a part of my life. And I've recognized his voice on SNL all these years. He will sincerely be missed!
His family is in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

louise wisinski

August 19, 2014

Wow, I can't wait til I get to heaven and you introduce my name to the Lord. Loved you; RIP

B Lucas

August 19, 2014

My condolence for the loss of Mr. Prado, may his family and friends be comforted by his memories.

Andy Akers

August 19, 2014

I had the pleasure of working with Mr Pardo when I was a roadie for Frank Zappa .. This was during the Live From New York recordings I think in 1976 or 77 as he was" The Slime on Your Video " As I recall it was his first live stage performance as in the front of the curtain … I hope he and Frank and having a great time out there some where.
Andy Akers aka Tennessee Tuxedo

William Richhart

August 19, 2014

A voice that will be remembered and cherished for a long time

George & Jan Bills

August 19, 2014

We'll always hear his voice in our heads. What a nice guy he was! We'll miss him.

August 19, 2014

L jean spoden

michelle plakas-kaiser

August 19, 2014

rip

Patti R

August 19, 2014

We lost a fixture in the entertainment world. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Pardo family, friends and fans.

Jan B

August 19, 2014

My Condolences , to the Pardo Family please let this passage be Comforting to the Family ROMANS 15-4 This will of comfort.

August 19, 2014

My deepest condolences to the Pardo family. So sad to read this, but glad he went peacefully. I'll never forget his voice.

Diane ~ Canada

carolyn highwood

August 19, 2014

The voice is now stilled my you rest in peace.

Richard Meredith

August 19, 2014

What else can you say except" Thank you Don Pardo!"Great voice and a man who will be missed.

ANDREA

August 19, 2014

The voice of New York City will be missed...thanks for sharing your talent with us Don...Godspeed!

Chris Mertell

August 19, 2014

Incredible voice which I will never forget...Pardo and Kasem together in Heaven...bring it guys with your angelica voices!

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Not sure what to say?

August 8, 2020

George Lowe posted to the memorial.

December 29, 2014

Pardo Roedolof posted to the memorial.

November 11, 2014

Josh posted to the memorial.