Don LaFontaine Tribute

Don was a voice genius, a consummate professional and a salesman extraordinaire, but most of all he was a great human being who brought his humanity to every line of copy he ever read. Don cared so much for his family and his extended family. He was interested in life and talking about real things and he made my life better for having known him. I always had so much fun being with Don, either in person or via ISDN. He made so many of my days better. I can't count how many spots Don did for me, how many times he brought my written words to life, how many times he saved the day. I will always think of Don sitting in the old PC23 here at CBS waiting to read the next spot, sitting in the booth reading a book. Don took care of every moment he had here on earth; to chat, to read, to care, to learn more about people. He had a car take him from session to session, so he could use his time wisely rather than fighting traffic. That was genius. When he began working out of his house I was always amazed at how he could read copy into a spot that he wasn't seeing and bring it to life, pitch perfect, on time and with nuances that no other human voice could bring. I and so many others in this industry will miss our dear friend Don. Hopefully, we will all take Don's example and make the most of the time we have.

I'm sure that God is now asking Don to do His voiceovers.

This was a sad day for sure. I woke up with the news today. Out of all people to go, it was sad to see him go. He was famous for behind the scenes but It was always great to hear his voice on various shows and to try to pick it out. The worst part is most dont recognize his name other than the movie voice guy. RIP Don. I give my deepest sympathies Nita.

My last session with Don was July 21 2008, I tried to cut the session short because he was feeling ill and could barely catch his breath, but like the work hoarse he was, he insisted on finishing the session and still pulled it off like a champ. Little did I know, that it was one of his last sessions ever, as he was admitted back into the hospital shortly after. I've had the great fortune of recording all of the biggest names in V.O. & hands down Don was the best of the best. Thank You Don, for your friendship & professionalism, you where a mentor to all of us & will be dearly missed. R.I.P. Mike Boeltl

Truly it is a sad day when one of your heroes die. You will be missed Don.