Posted on 03/15/2014 5:03:59 PM PDT by Gamecock
Hal Douglas, the voice behind scores of movie trailers and television commercials, died Thursday.
The Connecticut-born voice actor died in his home in Lovettsville, Va., of complications from pancreatic cancer — his daughter, Sarah Douglas, confirmed to TMZ.
Douglas was 89 years old.
The voice artist enjoyed a career spanning over several decades, lending his voice to trailers and roles in movies like "Forrest Gump," "Lethal Weapon," and "The Holiday."
“I’m not outstanding in any way,” he told The New York Times in 2009.
“It’s a craft that you learn, like making a good pair of shoes. And I just consider myself a good shoemaker.”
In Jerry Seinfeld's 2002 documentary "The Comedian," Douglas even parodies himself as a cliché movie-trailer announcer.
His success can be likened to that of Don LaFontaine, one of the most iconic voiceover artists, who passed away in 2008.
Douglas is survived by his wife, Ruth, daughter and two sons from a previous marriage.
Served as a Navy pilot in WWII.
RIP
Ping to the link in post 1.
I wouldn’t have thought that would have been the most likely cause of death at that age.
Hate being the statistical outlier.
That was great. RIP, Hal. You were the best.
I knew that Don Lafontaine did many movie trailers, but which of these guys was the originator of the "In a world..." intro?
Or did they both do it?
Great voice.
RIP Mr. Douglas.
Don LaFontaine (the other voiceover guy that starred in a Geico Commercial) died in 2008. Who’s going to voice over movie trailers now?
Because many of his trailers have begun with the words "In a world", there is controversy over whether his voice has immortalized them. (Don LaFontaine claimed to have actually created the catchphrase.) In addition, Douglas has been the promotional voice for the former WB, A&E, Disney Channel's "Vault Disney" (1997–2002), and The History Channel.
seems like he was a funny guy. rip.
This is insanity. Yet another person dead. When will the madness end?
ThankYou and GOD Bless You,Hal!
A voice-over talent. What a great profession; you get to do what you love in show biz, gain the respect and admiration of your colleagues, get paid extremely well so you have all the rewards with none of the fame! You can go anywhere without being recognized! It’s like being Prince Harry. You get the title, the trust fund, the inheritance with none of the expectations and responsibilities.
The “Bush’s Fault” mantra of the Leftist Democrat’s has officially been replaced with the “Ted Cruz’s Fault” of the Statist Republicans. Just sayin.
On a typical day over 150 thousand people die each day in the world. Or as Hal might have put it In a world of death....
RIP.
Sorta like being President lately...
Truly the best job in the world. I’d love that job. Especially the deity-like trailer announcer!
“IN A WORLD OF MADNESS.”
I would so love that job. They don’t use women much though.
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