Don Pardo Net Worth

Don Pardo: The Voice of a Generation – Net Worth, Career, and Legacy

Don Pardo, a name synonymous with the golden age of broadcasting, left an indelible mark on American television and radio. Best known for his distinctive voice and impeccable delivery, Pardo served as the announcer on some of the most iconic shows in history. This article delves into the life, career, and net worth of this legendary figure, exploring his journey from a radio announcer to a household name.

Early Life and Beginnings

Born Dominick George Pardo on February 22, 1918, in Westfield, Massachusetts, Don Pardo’s early life provided the foundation for his future success. His parents, Dominick George Sr. and Valeria Rominak-Pardo, were Polish immigrants who owned a bakery. Growing up in Norwich, Connecticut, and Providence, Rhode Island, Pardo developed an interest in performing arts. After graduating from high school, he attended Emerson College and obtained his degree in 1942.

The Rise of a Voice: Early Career Achievements

Pardo’s professional career began in 1942 at WJAR, an NBC-affiliated radio station in Providence, Rhode Island. His talent was quickly recognized. In 1944, a supervisor from NBC noticed Pardo’s exceptional vocal abilities, leading him to join the network in New York as a full-time in-house announcer. He would remain a pillar of NBC for the next seven decades. During his early career, Pardo was involved in various radio programs, including “Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator,” “X Minus One,” and “Dimensions X.” He also served as a war reporter during World War II, providing on-air updates. Furthermore, Pardo contributed to the KFOG San Francisco radio show “Ten at Ten” for over three decades, showcasing his versatility as a voice actor.

Becoming a Game Show Icon: ‘The Price is Right’ and ‘Jeopardy!’

In the early 1950s, Pardo expanded into television, working as an announcer for RCA and NBC’s television demonstrations. His career reached new heights when he became the announcer for several popular game shows. In 1952, he joined “Winner Take All” and then went on to announce the original “The Price is Right” from 1956 to 1963, when the show moved to ABC. This role solidified his reputation as a game show announcer. His next major game show gig was “Jeopardy!” which he began announcing in 1964. He remained on the show until its original run concluded in 1975. Additionally, Pardo lent his voice to other successful game shows, including “Three on a Match,” “Winning Streak,” and “Jackpot!,” further showcasing his range and adaptability.

Beyond the Games: Don Pardo at NBC News

While his game show work was prominent, Pardo maintained his presence at NBC across multiple platforms. His voice was frequently heard during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade coverage, which he announced until 1999. He also contributed vocal work to WNBC-TV’s “Live at Five” and the “NBC Nightly News.” One of the most notable moments in his career came in 1963 when he was the first to announce to NBC viewers that President John F. Kennedy had been shot in Dallas, Texas, a moment of profound historical significance.

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‘Live From New York…’: The Saturday Night Live Era

Perhaps Pardo’s most iconic role came in 1975 when he was selected to be the announcer for NBC’s new live comedy sketch show, “Saturday Night Live.” He introduced the world to the show with his famous catchphrase, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” This began a tenure that spanned almost four decades. Pardo’s distinctive voice and delivery became an integral part of the show’s identity. He announced the show’s title and the cast and musical guests during the opening montage. He only missed one full season of “SNL” from 1981 to 1982. His longevity on the show solidified his status as a pop-culture icon.

Beyond “Saturday Night Live,” Pardo participated in various musical projects. In 1976, he recited a verse of the song “I’m the Slime” with Frank Zappa. He also provided narration for other Zappa songs and collaborated with Weird Al Yankovic on the song “I Lost on Jeopardy.” Pardo even made a cameo in the accompanying music video. In 1989, he was involved in the recording of “I Beg Your Pardon” by the Canadian band Kon Kan. Even after his retirement from NBC in 2004, Pardo continued to announce for “Saturday Night Live” at the personal request of the show’s executive producer, Lorne Michaels. In 2010, he was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame. Pardo continued his work on “Saturday Night Live!” until 2014, the year of his death. He was eventually succeeded by cast member Darrell Hammond.

Personal Life and Legacy

In 1938, Don Pardo married Catherine Lyons, with whom he had five children: Donna, Karen, Paula, David, and Michael. The couple remained married until Catherine’s death in 1995. On August 18, 2014, at the age of 96, Pardo passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Tucson, Arizona. Following his death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry and from fans who had grown up with his voice. Don Pardo’s estimated net worth at the time of his death was $10 million, a testament to his successful, decades-long career. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring voice actors, and his contributions to television and radio remain celebrated to this day.