The Loss of Legend Don LaFontaine

Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2008 10:00 pm

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of voice-over legend Don LaFontaine. He died Monday, at age 68, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles due to complications from a collapsed lung. His family had reported he was in critical condition less than two weeks ago after a blood clot was found lodged in his lung.

Rightfully titled as the "King of Voiceovers," Don LaFontaine's job as a recording engineer eventually led to his illustrious 25-year career as a voice-over artist. A master of his craft, LaFontaine has been the leading voice in the movie trailer industry, and is known for popularizing the phrase, "In a world..." He was the voice of the Academy Awards, Entertainment Tonight, several major television networks, and recorded thousands of commercials and radio spots. He is often recognized as the busiest working actor in the history of SAG, and in an interview noted that his favorite work was the movie trailer for the film The Elephant Man.

Recently, he was featured on-screen in commercials for both GEICO Insurance and the Mega Millions Lottery (along with announcers Ed McMahon and Johnny Gilbert). In 1997, he also appeared in the short film 5 Men and a Limo, which featured LaFontaine with four other leaders in the industry, John Leader, Nick Tate, Mark Elliot, and Al Chalk, sharing a ride in his limousine.

LaFontaine is survived by his wife, singer and actress Nita Whitaker, and his three daughters Christine, Skye, and Elyse. Our deepest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed.

Some other articles and tributes to Don LaFontaine are below:
* Entertainment Tonight's announcement of his passing
* CNN.com Obituary
* Washington Post: In a World of Don LaFontaine, A Reel-Life Figure of Speech
* Tom Kane's Tribute to Don LaFontaine (on Bob Souer's blog)
* Tribute from Paul Pape on Voiceover Universe, which includes links to several videos of Don
* AFTRA President Roberta Reardon Remembers Don LaFontaine
* SAG's Alan Rosenberg's Statement on the Passing of Don LaFontaine

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