- published: 19 Sep 2008
- views: 185284
Lafontaine, French for "the fountain", may refer to:
Donald Leroy "Don" LaFontaine (August 26, 1940 – September 1, 2008) was an American voice actor who recorded more than 5,000 film trailers and hundreds of thousands of television advertisements, network promotions, and video game trailers.
He became identified with the phrase "In a world...", used in so many movie trailers that it became a cliché. Widely known in the film industry, the man whose nicknames included "Thunder Throat" and "The Voice of God", became known to a wider audience through commercials for GEICO insurance and the Mega Millions lottery game.
LaFontaine was born on August 26, 1940, in Duluth, Minnesota, to Alfred and Ruby LaFontaine. LaFontaine said his voice cracked at age 13 in mid-sentence, giving him the bass tones that later brought him much fame and success. After graduating from Duluth Central High School in 1958, he enlisted in the United States Army, and worked as a recording engineer for the Army Band and Chorus.
LaFontaine continued to work as a recording engineer after discharge and began working at the National Recording Studios in New York City, where, in 1962, he had the opportunity to work with producer Floyd Peterson on radio spots for Dr. Strangelove. Peterson incorporated many of LaFontaine's ideas for the spots and, in 1963, they went into business together producing advertising exclusively for the movie industry. LaFontaine claimed that this company first came up with many of the famous movie trailer catch phrases, including his own future signature phrase, "in a world..."
Keywords: based-on-novel, character-name-in-title, flashback
Stand-up comedian Pablo Francisco, here doing an impression of Don LaFontaine a.k.a. Previews Guy! ^_^
In a world where one guy does all the movie trailer voiceovers...
Tom Brook talks to the king of the voiceovers. Broadcast 14th October 1996
750,000 television spots, 5,000 movie trailers, 1 voice, Don LaFontaine has the most recognizable voice in the game right now. Here is the legend's story told by none other than the legend himself. R.I.P. Don LaFontaine (1940-2008)
Don LaFontain (RIP) and sometimes Hal Douglas and Dom Morrow provide the voices for some of the common cliche's in movie trailers. Here is a collection of them in one giant clip. Enjoy!
In a world where a select group of men use their unique voiceover talents comes the short film that brought a nation to its feet. Starring Don LaFontaine, John Leader, Al Chalk, Mark Elliot, and Nick Tate
Don LaFontaine is the legendary voice of more than 5,000 Hollywood movie trailers. He discusses the joys of his job on "The Early Show." (CBSNews.com)
King of Movie Trailer Voices, Don LaFontaine is featured in this installment of GEICO's series of real customers' stories comically interpreted by hired celebrities. Directed by Chris Smith. www.smugglersite.com