If you've ever been to a movie, watched a movie or even TV, there is a voice you know. Some people might not know exactly who the man behind that voice is. His name was Don LaFontaine. Born, August 26, 1940, Don was an American voice actor famous for recording over 5,000 movie trailers and (according to his website) over 350,000 television commercials, network promotions, and video game trailers. His signature voice was perceived as being both ominous and sonorous. His nicknames include "Thunder Throat" and "The Voice of God". Due to the sheer volume of trailer voiceovers LaFontaine recorded, he became identified with the phrase "in a world...", which has been used in movie trailers so frequently that it has become a cliché. He also parodied this cliché several times, most recently in a commercial for GEICO insurance. LaFontaine stated that his favorite work in a movie trailer was for the hit biographical film The Elephant Man.
Many fans and professionals residing in the voice over industry were shocked when Don suddenly is no longer a voice you'll be hearing. LaFontaine was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California with a blood clot in his lungs on August 22, 2008, and was reported as being in critical condition the following Tuesday. LaFontaine died September 1, 2008 following complications from pneumothorax. LaFontaine is survived by his wife, the singer and actress Nita Whitaker, and three daughters Christine, Skye and Elyse.
Don will be missed and the voice over industry will be greatly changed. Condolences go out to his wife, children and family. Rest in Peace Don!
Donald LaFontaine Born: August 26, 1940 Died: September 1, 2008
A tribute to a legend: Don LaFontaine
If you've ever been to a movie, watched a movie or even TV, there is a voice you know. Some people might not know exactly who the man behind that voice is. His name was Don LaFontaine. Born, August 26, 1940, Don was an American voice actor famous for recording over 5,000 movie trailers and (according to his website) over 350,000 television commercials, network promotions, and video game trailers. His signature voice was perceived as being both ominous and sonorous. His nicknames include "Thunder Throat" and "The Voice of God". Due to the sheer volume of trailer voiceovers LaFontaine recorded, he became identified with the phrase "in a world...", which has been used in movie trailers so frequently that it has become a cliché. He also parodied this cliché several times, most recently in a commercial for GEICO insurance. LaFontaine stated that his favorite work in a movie trailer was for the hit biographical film The Elephant Man.