Live from New York…Darrell Hammond is back, y’all! The consummate performer and perennial funny man who once owned the stage during his time on the 30 Rockefeller Plaza stage will return as the voice of Saturday Night Live in the wake of longtime announcer Don Pardo’s passing.
It makes sense, given the fact that Hammond had previously tagged in for Pardo in the past when he had laryngitis — to say nothing of the fact that Hammond is also the longest running cast member the series has ever seen. The impressionist and comedian was a featured player at SNL from 1995 to 2009, so to call him deeply entrenched in the sketch show family would be an understatement.
Speaking to the decision with USA Today, the show’s creator and head honcho of all things comedy, Lorne Michaels, explained the decision as not a chance to replicate the iconic announcer. “I just knew it wouldn’t be anybody who sounded like Don or replicated him,” Michaels explained. “It can’t be what it was, but it could sort of be in the same tradition.”
When the outlet asked Hammond about the matter, he said that, “When [Pardo] passed, they wanted me; it felt right for me to be the one to replace him.”
“It will be nice to have Darrell around,” Michaels added. “He understands the show and will probably be helpful in ways we haven’t yet figured out.”
Hammond had filled in a few times over the years so the announcement isn’t so shocking, but Hammond was incredibly humble on the matter. “It’s been a very improbable life; I didn’t expect something like this, but it feels real good.”
What do you think of the choice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
PERFECT!
Darrell is like that uncle in your family that doesnt like going to the BBQ but still shows up , looks awkward, then tells people later that he had the time of his life.
What a fitting way for him to remain a part of the SNL family. I love it.
and I am sure Pardo would approve. 🙂
I definitely agree. I love Darrell and love Mr Pardo’s voice. I love how they connect the old with the new.