Who was SNL's announcer from its 1975 debut until his death in 2014?

Don Pardo was Saturday Night Live's announcer from its 1975 debut until his death in 2014.

Pardo supplied the booming voice that introduced the show, announced its title and performers, and delivered the cast names during the opening montage. His voice was heard on the premiere episode on October 11, 1975, helping establish the familiar sound of SNL's opening ritual. He continued in the role for most of the show's first 39 years.

The timeline has one important qualification: Pardo did not announce every single season without interruption. He was absent during the 1981–82 season, when Mel Brandt and, briefly, Bill Hanrahan handled the announcements. Pardo otherwise returned and remained closely associated with the program until his death in Tucson, Arizona, on August 18, 2014, at age 96. Darrell Hammond succeeded him as announcer. Pardo was also known for announcing programs including The Price Is Right and Jeopardy! for NBC.