Amy Poehler has joined the chorus of “SNL” alumni singing the praises of the sketch show’s beloved late announcer, Don Pardo.
“My whole life changed once Don Pardo said my name,” Poehler, who was on the show from 2001-08 (and had a particularly funny moment with Pardo during “Weekend Update”), said in a statement sent to TheWrap. “I will really miss that kind and talented man.”
Also read: Don Pardo, ‘Saturday Night Live’ Announcer, Dead at 96
Pardo passed away on Monday at the age of 96. The program’s announcer from the start, his deep baritone called out some of the most legendary names in comedy, often at the earliest points in their rise to stardom. A longtime NBC employee — he retired in 2004 but continued to work on “SNL,” where he announced all but one season — Pardo was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2010.
In addition to “SNL,” he provided the voice for “The Price Is Right,” “Jeopardy,” “Jackpot,” “Three on a Match,” as well as “NBC Nightly News” and the network’s coverage of Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Also read: Diversity Backlash, ‘The Beygency’ and a Bloodbath: A Look at ‘SNL’ Season 39 Highs and Lows
Many past and present “SNL” cast members took to Twitter on Monday night and Tuesday morning to mourn the man whose voice announced their membership in an exclusive club.
RIP Don Pardo. A voice that meant so much. http://t.co/X4q9TeHVbO
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) August 19, 2014
R.I.P to Don Pardo… #snl #legend — feeling sad
— Jay Pharoah (@JayPharoah) August 19, 2014
one of the greatest joys of my life was hearing don pardo call my name for the first time. this is a great article: http://t.co/h2ity6YpyF
— Aidy Bryant (@aidybryant) August 19, 2014
On Sept 13th 2008 I heard Don Pardo say my name for the first time. I cried until the 16th. Thanks Don. I owe you a coffee.
— Bobby Moynihan (@bibbymoynihan) August 19, 2014
RIP the amazing Don Pardo. My favorite was when Andy Samberg made him say very un-Pardo things like this: https://t.co/m79pifuuSZ
— Colin Jost (@TheColinJost) August 19, 2014
Any SNL actor will tell u:the ultimate moment of your career was hearing Don Pardo say your name. Each week he represented a dream come true
— Rachel Dratch (@TheRealDratch) August 19, 2014
Goodbye Don Pardo. You worked from World War II until this May. You were cool as hell. I’m very lucky I got to talk to you those few times.
— John Mulaney (@mulaney) August 19, 2014
On Sept 13th 2008 I heard Don Pardo say my name for the first time. I cried until the 16th. Thanks Don. I owe you a coffee.
— Bobby Moynihan (@bibbymoynihan) August 19, 2014
St. Peter is probably keeping Don Pardo at the gates, making him say “Saint Peter” over and over.
— Alex Baze (@bazecraze) August 19, 2014