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Don LaFontaine Obituary
LaFontaine died Monday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center from complications in the treatment of an ongoing illness, said Vanessa Gilbert, his agent.
LaFontaine made more than 5,000 trailers in his 33-year career while working for the top studios and television networks.
In a rare on-screen appearance in 2006, he parodied himself on a series of national television commercials for a car insurance company where he played himself telling a customer, "In a world where both of our cars were totally under water..."
In an interview last year, LaFontaine explained the strategy behind the phrase.
"We have to very rapidly establish the world we are transporting them to," he said of his viewers. "That's very easily done by saying, 'In a world where ... violence rules .' 'In a world where ... men are slaves and women are the conquerors.' You very rapidly set the scene."
LaFontaine insisted he never cared that no one knew his name or his face, though everyone knew his voice.
LaFontaine went on to work in the promo industry in the early 1960s. As an audio engineer, he produced radio spots for movies with producer Floyd Peterson.
When an announcer didn't show up for a recording session in 1965, LaFontaine voiced his first narration, a promo for the film, "Gunfighters of Casa Grande." The client, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, liked his performance.
LaFontaine remained active until recently, averaging seven to 10 voiceover sessions a day. He worked from a home studio his wife nicknamed "The Hole," where his fax machine delivered scripts.
LaFontaine is survived by his wife, the singer and actress Nita Whitaker, and three daughters.
His funeral arrangements were pending.
Copyright © 2008 The Associated Press
90 Entries
Gale Aguilar
December 19, 2015
I know this is late but THERE IS NO OTHER VOICE LIKE YOURS AND YOU WILL BE MISSED.
Prayers goes out to you Nita and your daughters.
Harry Simpson
September 1, 2014
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Rest Don, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Rita Coker
July 18, 2012
I met Mr. Don LaFontaine and what warm, pleasant person! I thought he would be just the opposite! His lovely wife Nita were kind to me when I was introduced to them! God bless the family!
How you can show support
Brian Wong
April 2, 2011
I give you my sympathy for the death of your loved one. I cannot imagine what this has been like for you.
Mindy
February 27, 2010
Wow you was just awesome!!! May you RIP.
[email protected] /Joe Fazio
October 5, 2009
For Don...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
Robert Kurtzweil
September 25, 2009
I loved that man's voice!
Steve Mack
September 4, 2009
Don, you are my inspiration. God bless your generous nature and excellence.
John Pruden
September 3, 2009
Was at your SAG fundraiser last night at Joe Cipriano's house. It's amazing to see and hear how many lives you affected in such a positive way and how everyone misses you. Gone too soon.
Pam and Walt Bolil
September 1, 2009
It's one year later and the absents of your voice is still being felt by all
The movies aren't the same with out you Don
September 1, 2009
January 8, 2009
I still hear your incomparable voice...
RIP
Nita LaFontaine
December 18, 2008
Dear friends,
I just found this wonderful page of notes and I am moved to tears. My wonderful husband and father had a great life that allowed him to reach most all of his dreams. What a blessing that is! He only didn't get the gift of more time. Yes our hearts are heavy especially during the holidays and we thank you for your concern and support and mostly your prayers. He is missed by the world over but most by me and the girls who inhabited his world on a daily basis. He was the king of voiceover but he was a Prince of a man. Thank you. Nita, Wife of Don
Brian Wong
November 9, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
joyce fawcett
September 11, 2008
although, we never met you, Nita, or your family, we knew Don, from childhood, and high school, and dances that were held.. Dons family opened up their home to me, when, at those young teenage years, I lost my mother, suddenly..I was a friend of his sister, Sandy, before she passed on..so young...Don wrote the most beautiful letter about Sandy at her funeral, he was so gifted with words...My husband and I would always listen for his voice on the commercials he did..
We were proud to say we knew Don, personally..I know you and your children will miss him, as I did and still do, my mother, but he will forever be your special angel now..
May God bless you all and heal the grief you feel, now..
Sincerally,
Joyce and Kenny Fawcett
of duluth, mn
BEVERLY COIL
September 7, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Steven Jackson
September 7, 2008
Peace and Fond Memories.
Sincerely,
D. McDonald
September 7, 2008
When my brother was little, he would try to imitate Don's style. He was pretty good, and now looking back, it was, and still is, a beautiful tribute to the man we all grew up enjoying that distinctive style. May the family receive confort in knowing just how loved he was.
Carol Viertel
September 7, 2008
Don will be missed by millions, I for one. I have very fond and funny memories of him from the 50's and early 60's in Duluth. Gods blessings to his family
Amry
September 6, 2008
Don, your voice was so distinctive that when I hear a commercial it immediately grabs my attention. I was happy to put your voice with a face from geicco commercials. No one can take your place. You will be missed but God needs you more. My deepest sympathy goes to the family.I am glad for allowing him to share his talent with the world. God bless your family.
Chet Mooney
September 6, 2008
With deepest sympathy on the loss of the greatest voice in America. He was a true gentleman who always made time for his fans. He will be greatly missed.
Melanie O
September 6, 2008
Hey everyone, I'm going to compile all of your thoughtful tributes into a scrapbook and give it to Don's family on Tuesday. I know it will mean a lot to Nita (his wife). Thank you.
Stephanie
September 6, 2008
I'll miss you Buddy. I'm devastated beyond words.
Karla Mull
September 6, 2008
I remember the Geico commercial,and I thought I recognized "that voice" I just had to find out who this man was. Every time I saw it,it put a smile on my face. Now his voice is silent,but I will have fond memories of the commercial and all the movie trailers that he voiced-over.To his family,may you know that he is in a "better world" now,and may God comfort you in the days ahead.
The Humphreys Family
September 6, 2008
ARE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY...HE WILL BE MISSED.
Constance Chitman
September 6, 2008
I am sorry for you loss Anita. Sending you condolences from home....
Gail Siegel
September 6, 2008
To The LaFontaine Family:
I wish to express by condolences toward the loss of your loved one, Don. His voice was memorable.
May your of Don always bring a smile to your faces.
Rest In Peace, Don.
SL
September 6, 2008
Mr LaFontaine was kind enough to work with my brother in the last few years in hopes that he might be able to transition into voice over work. Although his time working with Don was brief he speaks of him with great respect and gratitude. Mr L had attained a great deal of success in his career and did not have to take the time to work with new talent. My thanks to him for his gracious contribution to those who will now come after him. Though they can never fill his shoes, may they acknowledge his many contributions. My sincere condolences to his family and close friends.
janet
September 6, 2008
So Sorry to hear of your loss.
I enjoyed & always recognized his distinct voice.
JB
Boston, MA
jay morrow
September 6, 2008
Deep condolences , altho I never knew him , my brother Don , spoke very well of him . Sincerely Jay Morrow
Jay & Kaye Phillip
September 6, 2008
God's Peace...which surpasses all understanding guards your hearts and minds always...Our joy to have met Don, (at Kathy's 40th birthday in Shreveport). He seemed such a personable spirit. Love you...God's continual blessings.
Andy And Rebecca Sidener
September 5, 2008
The Sidener Family !
bobbie
September 5, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. He will be truely missed.
daria quarlena
September 5, 2008
Deep voices always chased my harmones and even before I knew what sexapeal was all about. Don Lafontaine's voice sent shivers up my spine. I believe he was a good man in this world to be missed. I pray GOD will call him to his kingdom. Amen
g
Steve Mack
September 5, 2008
Well, I made a new friend in a very competitive business. He was the best, the finest and a true friend. I learned what I could from my friend Don LaFontaine and was in total shock hearing about this loss, after the last email. I will honor him by trying to be as excellent as he was in his field and as a husband and father of 4.
He renewed my sense of excellence!
With sincere condolences to Don's family, please know that the "in a world" he use to speak of and the people in it were far better off with him in it.
Sincerely,
Steve Mack
Graham
September 5, 2008
Don LaFontaine had a voice to die for.
Movie trailers will never be the same.
Rest in peace big guy !
Amy
September 5, 2008
The man with the voiceover voice that we will never forget. Rest in Peace Don, your memory will live on in your work and your family.
Terri B.
September 5, 2008
so sorry for your loss....the memory of that WONDERFUL voice will live on in our memories & hearts..our prayers are with you in this time of sorrow...
Scotty Stalcup
September 5, 2008
The passing of Mr. LaFontaine ends an incredible chapter of entertainment history. He has been inspiring me to see movies my whole life. Someday soon, in a world torn between faith and greed, I expect him to announce the coming of the Lord. I can't wait to hear him again.
Thomas Widgeon
September 5, 2008
Jesus Loves Me!!
September 5, 2008
With warm memories and condolences from a former classmate, Duluth Central High School, graduating class of 1958.
diana shestko
September 4, 2008
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
jessie Ashton
September 4, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Love to all
A Z
September 4, 2008
I'm sorry to hear that you've passed away. You had such a distinctive voice. Won't be the same here without you. Condolences to the family.
K. Sikes
September 4, 2008
in a world without DON LAFONTAINE, our lost is heaven's gain. What great pipes!!! The movies will never be the same without him. You will be missed. May GOD bless you all.
September 4, 2008
We will miss this man and his wonderful voice and the movie trailers will never be as good ..
we are so sorry for your loss and you are in our prayers
September 4, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Belinda Shelley
September 4, 2008
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
B.G.
September 4, 2008
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Darryn Lubbe
September 4, 2008
Your voice will live through the sands of time!
R.I.P Don
Darryn (South Africa)
CC
September 4, 2008
"In a world" where his kind of talent and humility are rare, he will be deeply missed.
God bless him.
M.J. McKinney-O'Quinn
September 3, 2008
Nita and Family: I am sooooo sorry to hear of your loss. I was totally shocked when I heard of Don's passing yesterday. It wasn't until I attempted to e-mail him for advice on voice over careers that I saw your picture on his e-mail and learned that you were his wife. I have admired you both individually and even more so (such great vocal gifts) collectively. I regret that I never got a chance to send the e-mail to Don. I will truly miss that one-of-a-kind voice for days/years to come. May God comfort and keep you, your girls and your family now and always is my sincere prayer.
Jens S Lund
September 3, 2008
In A World…Where There’s No One Left To Say “In A World”...RIP Mr LaFontaine and thanks for the best trailers.
Condolences to your family.
Judy Denson-Keller
September 3, 2008
Every movie I've gone to I remember the sound of your voice in the previews. It just filled the theater! The movie industry is going to have some mighty big shoes to fill! May you rest in peace.
CHARLES E. TREADWAY III
September 3, 2008
TO THE LAFONTAINE FAMILY: MR. LAFONTAINE'S VOICE WAS TRUELY A GIFT FROM GOD. HIS WORK IN THE INDUSTRY MADE ME WANT TO DO TO SAME KIND OF WORK. "IN A WORLD WHERE WE HAD MR. LAFONTAINE FOR SUCH A SHORT TIME. IT JUST WON'T BE THE SAME WITHOUT HIS VOICE." REST IN PEACE.
YS
September 3, 2008
We are so sorry to read about the death of Mr. LaFontaine. May his family find comfort in their memories and in eachother. Soon God's kingdom will bring an end to death forever.
Marie
September 3, 2008
A few months ago, I e-mailed Don to help me with a little trailer I was making for someone's 40th birthday. After a few weeks, he actually e-mailed me back and apologized for not e-mailing sooner since he was in the hospital. Obviously, not your typical Hollywood Actor, he was kind and generous and wrote from the heart in his e-mail updates which he sent periodically. The last one I received was dated 8/11/08.
I pray that this amazing man is at peace. I will truly miss him & his talents. May God bless his family during this tough time.
KEN & MARY O'DANIEL
September 3, 2008
OUR PRAYERS,LOVE, & CONDOLENCES TO MR. LAFONTAINE'S FAMILY, FRIENDS, THOSE WHO WORKED WITH HIM,& FANS.
Elizabeth
September 3, 2008
Mr. LaFontaine,
You will be truly missed! I know your voice and can certainly tell when you are the one narrating a commercial or promo. You brought depth to your industry. Rest in Peace and I will pray for your family in their time of need.
Daina Laurin
September 3, 2008
i am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
m a
September 3, 2008
i am sorry for your loss,may GOD be with you in your time of sorrow.
Michael L. Nesbitt
September 3, 2008
GOD bless..You were truly the Best.
Michael L. Nesbitt
Burbank,CA
Betty Burge
September 3, 2008
The airwaves are silent for now.
Steve Cumming
September 2, 2008
I will never forget a day I went to the movies four years ago. Five trailers were shown before the feature... and Don had voiced four of them. I'm sure that he and Ernie Anderson will have a lot of stories to tell each other. Don, you and your pipes will be missed. "Imagine a world without Don LaFontaine....."
September 2, 2008
To Don:
You lived a great life and you were a nice man. It was great listening to your promos. May you rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Kevin.
c davis
September 2, 2008
you seemed like a really nice man. so sorry you left us so soon.
September 2, 2008
One Man... One vision...One Voice... God graced us with Don LaFontaine. Thank you dear Lord for giving us this man with the one of a kind voice. ...in a world one man stands doing voice-overs. The booth is silent, but his past performances remain in our hearts. Best wishes to the LaFontaine family. Don’s distinctive voice now radiates in heaven.
Walt Bolil
September 2, 2008
Nita - it's been difficult to gather my thoughts today and hard to express how sad I feel. There is an emptiness in Pam and I, and it's hard for us to imagine what this week will be like without Don by your side. We are grateful that you and Don took the time to befriend us 21 years ago, and I cannot think of the word "generosity" without thinking of you and Don.
I can't quite put all my thoughts in writing now, but know that Pam and I are praying everyday for you, Skye, Elise, and Christine (and of course Don). We know he's probably reading a script from St. Peter now...and doing it all in one take.
We love you and miss you.
Pam and Walt
Lisa and Wayne Wells
September 2, 2008
We were shocked and saddened to hear of your passing. The voice heard around the world has gone silent. No one will ever be able to duplicate the voice that drew our attention and made previews so interesting to hear, along with the crunch of popcorn. Rest in Peace, Mr. LaFontaine. You will be missed!
anonymous
September 2, 2008
I will never hear a great male voiceover artist as Mr. LaFontaine. I had a hard time earlier this morning not to cry.
Robb Roy
September 2, 2008
I met Don back in the 80's during my radio days in Houston. We hit it off and exchanged phone calls infrequently.When I went on the air in Atlanta we ran into each other in 1993. Jokingly I asked him, "Damn Don...what would it take for you to cut a promo for me?" The next day I learned that a delivery service dropped off a box for me containing a promo spot cut by Don. Inside a letter that said..."Careful what you ask for my friend...you just might get it!" The world of entertainment has lost a legend and a voice that will truly never be duplicated. Thank you Don for something that I will never forget...Bless You!
Robb Roy
aka: "RoadWarrior"
Vetta
September 2, 2008
R.I.P. Mr. Don LaFontaine.
Brian Andrew Wong at Recording for the Blind & Dyslexic of Metropolitan Washingto
Brian Andrew Wong
September 2, 2008
Don LaFontaine is THE great male voiceover artist of all times. He emailed me a few times, as well as on Facebook.
L. Jones-Bates
September 2, 2008
In a world where Don's voice is now silenced & will be missed, is a sad sad world...God's Peace to the LaFontaine Family
T S Ghale
September 2, 2008
Rest in Peace Don!!
I am so saddened to hear of your passing!! Going to the movies will NEVER be the same!! An era has ended. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this time.
TS Ghale Louisville, KY
D. ZIMMERMAN
September 2, 2008
REST IN PEACE DON LAFONTAINE
Tami B
September 2, 2008
You will be SORELY missed!
M.J. Parson
September 2, 2008
I am very sorry to hear of Don's passing. His voice was one of a kind. So long old freind
September 2, 2008
We will miss that wonderful warm voice!! We heard him interviewed and what agreat sense of humor!! Our deepest sympathy to his family and loved ones. The entertainment world will be a bit less "familiar sounding"
Pittsburgh PA
Evelyn
September 2, 2008
I am so sorry to hear the news. As a voice-over wannabe, I considered Don to be the best voice out there. To Nina and family, my condolences and thoughts are with you during this time.
Lori Yvon
September 2, 2008
To Don's family and friends,
I enjoyed him on the Geico commercial. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.
With Sympathy,
September 2, 2008
R.I.P.
anon
September 2, 2008
His voice was EVERYWHERE!!! He will be missed! MY deepest sympathy to his family and those he held dearest.
R.L.
September 2, 2008
Nita and family:
My sincerest condolences. I can't believe his voice is now silent.
http://www.donlafontaine.com
Gary L. Dobbins
September 2, 2008
"In a heaven"..... Rita and family,my sympathy to you all in your time of need. Don took the time to email a voice over with my name in it. I have played it several times today and will many more! Thank you Don for your great skill.
anonymous
September 2, 2008
movie trailers will never be the same!!!
Julie
September 2, 2008
It will be so strange not to hear his voice, thankfully it will live on forever in the many clips he has done. Blessings to your loved ones!
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