Legendary voice of the Los Angeles Lakers, bringing excitement and energy to basketball games with his iconic play-by-play commentary. Known for coining phrases like "slam dunk" and "air ball."
Chick Hearn, the legendary American sportscaster, is synonymous with the Los Angeles Lakers, having served as the team's play-by-play announcer for an impressive 41 years. His rapid-fire, staccato broadcasting style, peppered with colorful phrases like "slam dunk," "air ball," and "no harm, no foul," has become an integral part of basketball vernacular.
Born Francis Dayle Hearn on November 27, 1916, in Buda, Illinois, Chick grew up in Aurora, Illinois, and attended high school at Marmion Academy. He earned a degree from Bradley University, where he also earned the nickname "Chick" due to a prank played by his teammates.
Hearn's broadcasting streak began on November 21, 1965, and spanned an astonishing 3,338 consecutive Lakers games. This feat is all the more remarkable considering that he missed only one game during this period, on December 16, 2001, due to illness. Throughout his career, Hearn was paired with several color commentators, including Hot Rod Hundley.
Chick married his wife, Marge, on August 13, 1938, and they had two children, Gary and Shannon. Unfortunately, both children predeceased him. Marge passed away on January 30, 2016, at the age of 98.
Chick Hearn's contributions to the world of basketball are immeasurable. He was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 1995 and received the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame's Curt Gowdy Media Award in 1992. The Lakers retired his microphone in 2002, and he was posthumously inducted into the American Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame in 2003.
Chick Hearn's legacy continues to inspire generations of basketball fans and sportscasters. His iconic voice and memorable phrases have become an integral part of the game, ensuring his place as one of the most beloved and respected figures in basketball history.
Chick Hearn's impact extends beyond the world of basketball. His phrases have been referenced in popular culture, including films, television shows, and music. He has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the excitement and energy of the game.
As we look back on Chick Hearn's remarkable career, we are reminded of the power of passion, dedication, and creativity. His legacy continues to inspire us, and his voice will forever be etched in our minds as the sound of basketball.
83 Years Old
A renowned English rugby union player who won 19 caps for England and was a key figure in the 1960s team that won the Five Nations Championship.
84 Years Old
Legendary voice of American sports, known for his iconic "Yes!" calls during exciting moments in basketball and football games.
74 Years Old
Legendary sportscaster and Olympic commentator, known for his iconic voice and insightful analysis of major sporting events. He's the face and voice of American sports broadcasting.
91 Years Old
Legendary voice of American sports, calling iconic moments in tennis, football, and baseball, including Wimbledon and the Olympics.
77 Years Old
A British film director and producer known for his work on Shakespearean adaptations, such as the Oscar-winning "Shakespeare in Love". He's also credited with launching the careers of notable actors like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law.
81 Years Old
Legendary voice of American sports, calling iconic moments in football, baseball, and Olympics, with a career spanning over four decades.
92 Years Old
A legendary baseball player turned sportscaster and actor, known for his humorous commentary and iconic roles in TV and film, including the sitcom "Mr. Belvedere" and the movie "Major League".
