I remember walking into CBS over 15 years ago and walking into the infamous PC-23 (picture posted) and hearing what everyone called, "The Voice of the Movies." It was an amazing time back then as some of the greats of the business...Don, Mark Elliot, Chuck Reilly and many others came in on a daily basis to read promo spots. We all got to know these people pretty well - not just as announcers, but as real people. This week we lost a legend...he may be gone, but we'll be hearing his voice in our heads for a lifetime!

Melanie

15 years ago

Hey everyone, I'm going to compile all of your thoughtful tributes into a scrapbook and give it to Don's family on Tuesday. I know it will mean a lot to Nita (his wife). Thank you.

Few people in this business have earned the respect and admiration he has. A class act...A unique talent...He will be missed by us all. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. And this would have been so much more impressive if Don had read it.

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.

"in a world'....whitout you too sad..R.i.P

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

Don was the reason I decided to get into voiceovers. I had heard one of his interstitials for NBC, "NBC is the place to be!" in 1987, and decided right at that I simply had to do it because if I was having that much fun listening to Don, how much more fun mght I have getting to do it myself? Not only was he a great voice actor, but also a good man to his wife, family, and thousands of friends. We may not be able to hear him on any new stuff, but thank God for the internet where he will no doubt live forever.

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.

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

Don, I was so glad and proud of the retrospective and tribute we made for you at the Cannes Festival. Your voice, indeed, your humour, your kindness, your elegance, but death also was "coming soon"... We'll never forget Monsieur La Fontaine! Love to Nita, Axel Brucker

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

I have done a radio interview with him... he's a GREAT guy. He is our introduction... ( www.worldtalklive.com or www.blogtalkradio.com/worldtalklive ) He is hilarious, check out the show to hear his hilarious intro that he made for us! He is awesome! RIP Don LaFontaine

Even though I've never met him he has inspired me to have training to do voice overs. I went onto his site a while ago and was just amazed at what he has accomplished. His voice will certainly be missed by all movie goers, gamers, etc. I hope that his family finds peace in knowing what an incredible man he is and was.

Nothing will be the same , the movies you will watch will have a mssing aspect , a great and funny person , he will be missed by many, and his legacy will be always in our ears and hearts

Not many Average Joes can name even one voiceover talent. But if they did know one, that name would be Don LaFontaine. He was the best in his field. So many people know his voice. If he did the voiceover for a movie, you just automatically wanted to see it. So long, Don. You and your amazing voice talent will be missed.

You shaped cinema and culture and will always be remebered for it. A life well lived. R.I.P

You shaped cinema and culture and will always be remebered for it. A life well lived. R.I.P

We thought of you often, and prayed for recovery. You will be forever missed, and the Dravland talent show will never be the same without you. John, Kasey, Timber and Sawyer Latvala

Speechless!

Don, Nita and their kids made up one of the greatest and coolest family units EVER. I feel fortunate for knowing them. I have some wonderful memories of Don, and I know that whatever plane of existence he is on right now, he is still looking to his beautiful and talented family with all the love and pride he had for them in his lifetime. RIP Don, the vocal community will never be the same without you

Very rarely does one person come to define an entire industry, but Don certainly did. Your hometown is very proud of you and your success. I hope your wife, your family and your friends can find some peace soon.

Condolences are sent to your family from Norway, where you will be remembered always. This is incredibly sad.

There are other voice over actors but none like you, Don. RIP. The movies just wont be the same without you.

Countless. You were truly a one-of-a-kind, dear sir. You will be greatly missed. RIP. Best wishes to your family and friends.

Don had a remarkable voice. Shame we wont be hearing it anymore. At least we have the thousand voice overs to remember him by. : ) Rest in peace

King of Movie Trailer Voices, Don LaFontaine is featured in this installment of GEICO's series of real customers' stories comically interpreted by hired celebrities. Directed by Chris Smith. www.smugglersite.com

750,000 television spots, 5,000 movie trailers, 1 voice, Don LaFontaine has the most recognizable voice in the game right now. Here is the legend's story told by none other than the legend himself.