If it was a voice over job, then Don LaFontaine, the voice-over king, was probably the little-know face behind that familiar booming voice. LaFontaine, most recognized for his signature tag “In a world …” phrase on movie trailers, has died at the age of 68, ironically, from complications of a collapsed lung.
They say the greatest form of flattery is when others try to copy what you do. If that is the case then LaFontaine was one of the most respected entertainers in the world since his voice-over style was both copied and parodied for just about every type of venue one can think of.
His famous voice could be heard on trailers for thousands of films, including “The Godfather,” “The Elephant Man,” “Fatal Attraction” and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day.” For several years he was the official voice entertainer for Paramount Pictures. He has also been the voice behind hundred of thousands of commercials over his 40 year career in show business. Some of his biggest accounts have been with Coca Cola, the Ford Motor Company and McDonalds, just to name a few. His most recent was a parody on himself for Geico Insurance.
“My philosophy is that you have to really believe what you’re reading, even if you think the film’s a piece of junk,” he once said in an interview. “Even the worst picture is someone’s favorite film, and that someone is the fan I am always talking to.”
Now, with his passing, we are left “In a world…..” without that great, distinctive and thrilling voice.
[AP Photo: Shows Don in studio recording booth]
There have been times, over the years, that I found myself giggling during the trailers because I recognized that voice. The ultimate example of success would have to be when you’re hired to parody yourself because only you can do you so well.
What a talent. Sad to hear of his passing.
We should thank GEICO for the commercial that finally let us all see the face for “The Voice”