The "Voice of God" behind thousands of movie trailers, commercials, and TV shows, bringing iconic characters and stories to life with his deep, resonant voice. He's the master of making you want to see a movie.
Don LaFontaine was the unmistakable voice behind thousands of film trailers, television advertisements, and video game trailers, earning him the nicknames "Thunder Throat," "The Voice of God," and "The King of Movie Trailers." For over four decades, his iconic phrase "In a world..." became synonymous with movie magic, making him a household name.
Born on August 26, 1940, in Duluth, Minnesota, LaFontaine's voice cracked at the tender age of 13, giving him the distinctive bass tones that would later propel him to fame. After graduating from Duluth Central High School in 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an audio engineer with the U.S. Army Band and the U.S. Army Chorus.
Following his discharge, LaFontaine worked as a recording engineer and eventually landed a job at the National Recording Studios in New York City. It was here that he met producer Floyd Peterson, with whom he collaborated on radio spots for Dr. Strangelove in 1962. This partnership marked the beginning of his career in movie trailer production.
In 1963, LaFontaine and Peterson started their own company, producing advertising exclusively for the movie industry. It was during this time that they coined many of the famous movie trailer catchphrases, including LaFontaine's signature "In a world..." phrase.
After filling in for an unavailable voice actor for the 1964 western Gunfighters of Casa Grande, LaFontaine's talent was discovered by MGM, and his career as a voiceover artist took off. He went on to become the head of Kaleidoscope Films Ltd., a movie trailer production company, before starting his own company.
Throughout his illustrious career, LaFontaine won numerous awards, including a Golden Trailer Award for Best Voiceover and multiple ADDY Awards for his work in advertising.
LaFontaine's net worth at the time of his passing was estimated to be around $80 million, a testament to his hard work and success in the industry.
In his personal life, LaFontaine was known for his sense of humor and humility. He often joked about his iconic voice, saying, "I'm not a star, I'm a guy who does trailers."
Don LaFontaine's legacy continues to inspire voiceover artists and filmmakers alike. His impact on the film industry is undeniable, and his contributions to pop culture are still felt today.
In a world where voiceover artists often remain behind the scenes, LaFontaine's talent and charisma propelled him to stardom, earning him a place in the hearts of fans around the world.
Don LaFontaine may be gone, but his legendary voice and legacy continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
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