The New York Times reports that Saturday Night Live alum Darrell Hammond will replace Don Pardo as show announcer following the latter’s death last month.
Hammond will announce in his own way — he will not be imitating Pardo.
As noted by the NYT, Hammond is SNL’s longest-serving cast member (1995 – 2009) and filled in for Pardo a handful of times when the announcer had to be away for health reasons.
In a statement, executive producer Lorne Michaels said they were pleased with their decision: “I’m really happy about it. I think it will be good to have Darrell doing his own separate thing.”
Saturday Night Live season 40 premieres September 27 with host Chris Pratt and musical guest Ariana Grande.