Darrell Hammond Replacing Don Pardo as Announcer for 'Saturday Night Live'

The death of SNL announcer Don Pardo has left a tragic void at the center of Saturday Night Live as the series approaches its 40th season. However, showrunner Lorne Michaels has found a replacement for Pardo in the form of one of its most popular former cast members: Darrell Hammond is the new Saturday Night Live announcer.

There's a certain symmetry in Don Pardo, who was with SNL longer than any other talent, being replaced by Hammond: Hammond is the longest-running on-screen performer in the history of Saturday Night Live, lasting from 1995 to 2009. The decision to go with Hammond also makes sense on a pragmatic level, as he is already accustomed to the gig, having filled in for Pardo during his various illnesses. Of course, what's crazy about this is that Hammond did such a great impression of Pardo at the time that nobody even knew it wasn't actually him doing the opening spot.

Ultimately, Lorne Michaels is feeling pretty good about the decision on Pardo's successor, as Hammond will get the opportunity to deliver the opening in a style all his own: "I'm really happy about it. I think it will be good to have Darrell doing his own separate thing," Michaels said in an interview.

As a huge fan of Hammond's epic 14-year stint on SNL, this is the best possible news for a Pardo replacement, in my opinion. The man is a consummate performer, and should do service to Pardo's memory while offering his own, unique presentation. It's another thing to look forward to when Saturday Night Live returns for its 40th season premiere next Saturday with host Chris Pratt and musical guest Ariana Grande. This is already shaping up to be a hell of a season, with 20-year-old comedian Pete Davidson joining the cast as a featured player, writer Michael Che joining the Weekend Update desk as its first black anchor, and SNL favorite Bill Hader returning to host the season's third episode. In short, it's a new age for Saturday Night Live, but the show won't be at a loss for familiar faces.

Via: New York Times

Credit: Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC