Posted on 05/16/2009 9:12:08 AM PDT by raccoonradio
Among the 2009 inductees into the Rhode Island Radio Hall of Fame last night was 91-year old Dominick “Don” Pardo, who’s voice is known to millions for his role as the announcer for NBC-TV’s Saturday Night Live and countless network television game shows. Pardo began his career at WJAR/Providence (now WHJJ) in 1938 before moving on to a 60-year career at NBC Television where he was one of only two individuals — the other was comedian Bob Hope — who held lifetime contracts with the network. Officially retired four years ago, Pardo, who now lives in Arizona, has been flying back to NYC 20 times a year when “SNL” staged original shows. McVay Media News/Talk Specialist Holland Cooke, who was at last night’s event, reports that Pardo said this weekend’s season finale of the late night comedy show will be his last. “I think that’s enough,” Pardo told a packed house who attended the festivities in West Warwick, RI. Cooke was lucky enough to capture the above photo memory with Pardo to add to his considerable scrapbook of classic moments in broadcasting.
Pardo can be heard on Weird Al Yankovic's "I Lost on Jeopardy": "But that's not all! You don't get to come back tomorrow. You brought shame on your family name for generations to come! You don't even get a lousy version of our home game! You're a complete LOSER!"
During the first Saturday Night Live (Oct 11, 1975) Pardo, despite his years of experience, botched the name of the new show's comedy troupe: "And the Not For Ready...Prime Time Players!"
I didn’t think he was still alive.
Did he need to fly back to do the voiceovers? Couldn’t
pre-record them? Oh well. Thank you Don Pardo.
Weird Al’s I lost on Jeopardy feat Don Pardo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_JIg9NB47M
“Oh, I’m givin’ up, Don Pardo, just tell me now what I didn’t win.”
“Live...from Woonsocket” sounds better.
For 91, he looks fantastic.
I stopped watching SNL awhile ago, didn’t know Mr. Pardo was still doing the announcements for it. Always enjoyed his voice-over work, instantly recognizable.
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