Darrell Hammond to Succeed Don Pardo as 'Saturday Night Live' Announcer - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 09-18-2014, 07:26 PM

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One of Saturday Night Live's longest-tenured cast members is being called upon to replace SNL's longest-serving employee. In August, SNL announcer Don Pardo passed away at the age of 96. Pardo had introduced the cast nearly every season since the sketch comedy show kicked off in 1975. With the 40th season of Saturday Night Live set to premiere on September 27th, producer Lorne Michaels has recruited Darrell Hammond, a member of the SNL cast from 1995 to 2009, to take over in the announcer role, the New York Times reports.

During his 14 years on SNL, Hammond established himself as one of the show's greatest impressionists, most notably his impersonations of then-President Bill Clinton and Sean Connery in those incredible Celebrity Jeopardy! sketches.

As the New York Times notes, Hammond was also forced to impersonate Pardo himself when the announcer suffered from laryngitis during a 1999 episode. On that James Van Der Beek-hosted show, Hammond's Pardo actually interacted with the guest host as part of the opening monologue. Overall, Hammond was thrust into the announcer role a handful of times during his tenure, so he was the logical choice to succeed Pardo.

"I’m really happy about it. I think it will be good to have Darrell doing his own separate thing," Michaels said of Hammond's new role. However, as opposed to doing a Pardo impression, Hammond will instead voice the intros in a way that will be both different and a tribute to the longtime announcer. "It can't be what it was, but it could sort of be in the same tradition," Michaels told USA Today. "And it will be nice to have Darrell around. He understands the show and will probably be helpful in ways we haven't yet figured out."

Earlier this month, Chris Pratt and Ariana Grande were announced as the show's host and musical guest for the season premiere. Sarah Silverman and Maroon 5 will appear the following week, with SNL alum Bill Hader returning to host the show on October 11.

Mace Dolex · 09-18-2014, 07:29 PM

I just saw this on the FOX 11 news and I think it's an awesome choice, I just hope Darrell uses his natural voice and not an imitation of Don Pardo.

70s show watcher · 09-19-2014, 12:28 AM

I think that its a great idea I am very comfortable with the choice

MrCleveland · 09-20-2014, 01:30 PM

Even with Hammond as an announcer, will he cameo on a few sketches?

09-18-2014, 07:26 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,412	Darrell Hammond to Succeed Don Pardo as 'Saturday Night Live' Announcer Link One of Saturday Night Live's longest-tenured cast members is being called upon to replace SNL's longest-serving employee. In August, SNL announcer Don Pardo passed away at the age of 96. Pardo had introduced the cast nearly every season since the sketch comedy show kicked off in 1975. With the 40th season of Saturday Night Live set to premiere on September 27th, producer Lorne Michaels has recruited Darrell Hammond, a member of the SNL cast from 1995 to 2009, to take over in the announcer role, the New York Times reports. During his 14 years on SNL, Hammond established himself as one of the show's greatest impressionists, most notably his impersonations of then-President Bill Clinton and Sean Connery in those incredible Celebrity Jeopardy! sketches. As the New York Times notes, Hammond was also forced to impersonate Pardo himself when the announcer suffered from laryngitis during a 1999 episode. On that James Van Der Beek-hosted show, Hammond's Pardo actually interacted with the guest host as part of the opening monologue. Overall, Hammond was thrust into the announcer role a handful of times during his tenure, so he was the logical choice to succeed Pardo. "I’m really happy about it. I think it will be good to have Darrell doing his own separate thing," Michaels said of Hammond's new role. However, as opposed to doing a Pardo impression, Hammond will instead voice the intros in a way that will be both different and a tribute to the longtime announcer. "It can't be what it was, but it could sort of be in the same tradition," Michaels told USA Today. "And it will be nice to have Darrell around. He understands the show and will probably be helpful in ways we haven't yet figured out." Earlier this month, Chris Pratt and Ariana Grande were announced as the show's host and musical guest for the season premiere. Sarah Silverman and Maroon 5 will appear the following week, with SNL alum Bill Hader returning to host the show on October 11.
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

09-20-2014, 01:30 PM	#4
MrCleveland Drew Carey from Hell Forum Star Join Date: Nov 10, 2007 Location: The City of Cleveland, in The State of Cleveland, in The United States of Cleveland Posts: 14,229	Even with Hammond as an announcer, will he cameo on a few sketches?
	__________________ Thank God for kids that love Obscure Things. Lee Hazlewood (1929-2007) You ARE Special to God! Rev. Ernest Angely (August 1921-May 2021)

09-18-2014, 07:29 PM	#2
Mace Dolex Member Senior Member Join Date: Aug 12, 2013 Posts: 2,670	I just saw this on the FOX 11 news and I think it's an awesome choice, I just hope Darrell uses his natural voice and not an imitation of Don Pardo.

09-19-2014, 12:28 AM	#3
70s show watcher Member Forum 4000 Club Member Join Date: May 20, 2008 Location: between point place and studio 8 h Posts: 4,549	I think that its a great idea I am very comfortable with the choice