Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Don Pardo

Role / Field:

Iconic American radio and television announcer with a 70-year career.

Born:

1918-02-22

Died:

2014-08-18

Century / Era:

1918s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Dominick George "Don" Pardo Jr. (February 22, 1918 – August 18, 2014) was an American radio and television announcer whose career spanned more than seven decades. A member of the Television Hall of Fame, Pardo was noted for his 70-year tenure with NBC, working as the announcer for early incarnations of such notable shows as The Price Is Right, Jackpot, Jeopardy!, Three on a Match, Winning Streak and NBC Nightly News. His longest and best-known announcing job was for NBC's Saturday Night Live, a job he held for 38 seasons.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His tenure stretched from the show's debut in 1975 until the end of the 6th season in 1981, and again from the season 8 premiere in 1982 until his death in 2014. Pardo was born in Westfield, Massachusetts, to Dominick George Pardo Sr. and Valeria "Viola" Rominak-Pardo, who were Polish immigrants who owned a bakery. He spent his childhood in Norwich, Connecticut, and Providence, Rhode Island, and graduated from Emerson College in 1942. Pardo was married to Catherine Lyons from 1938 until her death in 1995 and had five children: Donna, Karen, Paula, David and Michael.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Pardo was hired for his first radio position...

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• 1918 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1918
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Frequently Asked Questions about Don Pardo