Don LaFontaine, who passed away this morning at Cedars Sinai Hospital at age 68, wasn’t a man you’d know by looking at him. He’s been deeply involved in the entertainment industry for 33 years and he’s been featured prominently in over 5,000 movie trailers, but he could walk down the street and not even gather a second look.

But when Don LaFontaine opened his mouth, everyone knew who he was. The movie trailer voiceover master. Don could order a pizza and I’d be on the edge of my seat as he dramatically asks for extra cheese and green peppers.

He’s probably best known from this Geico commercial. It’s a very funny commercial, but far from his greatest achievement. This short, Five Guys in a Limo, is one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen. Bringing together the unseen but key talents of Don and fellow voiceover actors Nick Tate, Al Chalk, Mark Elliot, and John Leader, this funny little short produced for the 26th Annual Hollywood Reporter Key Art Awards was the first time I’d ever seen the faces behind the voices I’ve heard millions of times on every commercial. Every time I go see a movie, I do a Don LaFontaine voiceover to my friends detailing our trip to the snack bar, or about the pre-movie commercials. It’s sad to see the legend go, especially with so many superhero movies needing cool, dramatic trailers.

Tags: voiceover actor, five guys in a limo, don lafontaine, that announcer guy, geico commercial, funny, obituary, hollywood

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