Don Pardo Tried to Retire
Don Pardo, the charismatic radio and TV announcer, lent his voice to NBC for an astounding 70 years. Most notably, he served as the unmistakable announcer for “Saturday Night Live,” beginning with its inaugural season in 1975. Despite attempting to hang up his microphone twice, announcing his retirement in 2004 and again in 2009, the allure of the spotlight proved too irresistible for Pardo.
Twice, he was persuaded to return to the microphone. Initially, our announcer would journey from the sun-soaked landscapes of Arizona, landing in the bustling heart of New York for recordings. However, from 2010, he embraced the convenience of home-based work. He drew his last breath at the ripe age of 96, his voice still echoing as the show’s announcer, a testament to his unwavering dedication.