In recovery mode: Don Pardo was absent from Saturday Night Live due to broken hip


By Shyam Dodge

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The familiar voice of Don Pardo was absent from the opening montage of Saturday Night Live this weekend.

Fans of the sketch comedy show noticed immediately on Saturday that the cast announcements were not being made by the NBC icon - notwithstanding his replacements best attempt at imitating the veteran announcer.

According to TMZ, Don was recovering from a broken hip and was unable to lend his vocal talent to the live show.

The voice of SNL: Don Pardo at the Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences' 19th Annual Hall Of Fame Induction at the Beverly Hills Hotel, in 2010

The voice of SNL: Don Pardo at the Academy Of Television Arts & Sciences' 19th Annual Hall Of Fame Induction at the Beverly Hills Hotel, in 2010

Absent: Fans noticed immediately that the television icon was missing from the opening credits, on Saturday

Absent: Fans noticed immediately that the television icon was missing from the opening credits, on Saturday

But not to worry, sources have confirmed that the 'true voice of SNL' is on the mend.

The famous announcer has been with the comedy show since its inception in 1975, missing only one season in SNL's long history.

Even though he officially retired several years ago, Don has continued to provide the voiceover for Saturday Night Live's opening credits.

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The 95-year-old began his illustrious career in radio in 1938.

He became a war reporter for NBC radio during World War II.

Don went on to several game shows, including the original The Price Is Right, Choose Up Sides (where he appeared on-camera as "Mr. Mischief"), and the original Jeopardy!

Veteran voice: The 95-year-old began as a war reporter for NBC radio during World War II

Veteran voice: The 95-year-old began as a war reporter for NBC radio during World War II

Long history: The announcer has been working with SNL since it began in 1975

Long history: The announcer has been working with SNL since it began in 1975

After his official retirement the announcer moved to Tucson, Arizona, and was flown in for his live work on SNL in New York.

Starting with the show's 36th season he started pre-recording his parts for SNL at his home in Arizona rather than performing live in New York every Saturday night.

He is expected to return to his voiceover work once he has recovered.

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

Looks great to be midnieties

Click to rate     Rating   7

I thought that Don Pardo has passed away many years ago, I may have confused his obituary in the NY Times for someone else.

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And this is covered by a British newspaper because? - Ebeneezer , London, United Kingdom, 04/3/2013 03:09 Because it's on the U.S. Showbiz page.

Click to rate     Rating   12

Andy, London - unfortunately it's not. I watch it online. The jokes and sketches are hit and miss but it's still an enjoyable hour. I can't understand, with the quality of British comedy, we don't have our own equivalent. I'm glad he's OK, as I was wondering why he didn't do the VOs. So, to all those asking why this story is appearing on a UK paper, remember that just because you haven't heard of him or the show, doesn't mean others haven't.

Click to rate     Rating   7

So where is SNL shown in the UK, as I've never seen it?

Click to rate     Rating   3

I know him from his work on the original Price Is Right in the fifties! The man is a legend and rightfully so: he's 95 years old and still working. Fabulous, amazing and wonderful!

Click to rate     Rating   19

And this is covered by a British newspaper because?

Click to rate     Rating   6

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