[The Screen Fades In…]
In a world filled with voices, one man’s iconic bass could command the attention of millions. His name was Don LaFontaine. Born on August 26, 1940, in Duluth, Minnesota, he was destined to become the voice behind the curtain, the unseen narrator who turned ordinary movie trailers into must-see events. This is his story.
[Cut to a Young Don LaFontaine, Dreaming of a World Beyond…]
From the cold reaches of Minnesota, a voice emerged—a voice that would one day echo through the halls of Hollywood. As a young man, LaFontaine moved to New York City, his heart set on a career in the music industry. But destiny had a different script in mind. It wasn’t long before he found himself at the microphone, not singing, but speaking.
[Dramatic Pause, Then Slow Build with Intense Music…]
In the late 1960s, LaFontaine’s career took a pivotal turn. He started as a recording engineer, then a voice actor. His breakthrough came when he had to fill in for a missing voice actor. Little did he know, this was the audition that would change his life—and the sound of movie trailers forever.
[Montage of Classic Film Clips with LaFontaine’s Voice Overlaid…]
“IN A WORLD…” These words, spoken by LaFontaine, would soon become synonymous with excitement and anticipation. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, his voice grew to be the gold standard in the industry. If a studio wanted a hit, they called LaFontaine to create a trailer that captured the imagination of the audience.
[Quick Cuts of Explosive Action Scenes…]
Action films, romantic comedies, thrillers—he could elevate any genre. His voice could sell any story, turning simple plots into epic adventures. As the years passed, LaFontaine’s voice became one of the most recognized in the world, featured in over 5,000 movie trailers, and countless commercials and television promos.
[Shift to a Softer, More Reflective Tone…]
But who was the man behind the voice? Don LaFontaine was known for his humility and work ethic, traits that endeared him to colleagues and fans alike. Despite his fame, he remained grounded, a family man devoted to his wife, singer and actress Nita Whitaker, and their daughters, Christine and Skye.
[Increase Intensity, Highlighting His Impact on the Industry…]
LaFontaine’s influence extended beyond his voice. He was a pioneer in the industry, transforming how trailers were crafted. He understood that a trailer was not just about conveying information—it was about creating an emotion, a feeling of irresistible anticipation.
[Cut to Industry Experts and Fellow Actors Speaking About His Legacy…]
Peers in the industry looked up to him, not just for his voice, but for his innovation and his ability to teach others. LaFontaine was not just a narrator; he was a mentor to many, sharing his knowledge and passion for the craft.
[Slow Down, Coming to a Close with a Sense of Nostalgia…]
On September 1, 2008, the voice that had captivated millions fell silent. Don LaFontaine passed away, leaving behind a legacy that would forever resonate in the corridors of cinematic history. His work continues to inspire new generations of voice actors who strive to bring the same depth and excitement to their narrations.
[End with a Tribute, His Famous Line Echoing…]
Don LaFontaine was more than a voice actor; he was an icon, a legend, a man whose voice could fill a theater and whose heart could fill a room. As we look back on his life and career, we remember the man who brought films to life with four simple words…
[His Voice Echoes: “IN A WORLD…”]
[Fade Out, The Screen Goes Black…]
This has been the story of Don LaFontaine—the voice of a generation and the narrator of our dreams. His legacy will endure, a beacon for all who believe in the power of voice to move the world.
[End Credits Roll…]
