Earlier in the year, long time Saturday Night Live announcer, Don Pardo died at the age of 96. Now, with Season 40 just around the corner, Pardo’s replacement has been announced. Former, SNL cast member and master impressionist Darrell Hammond has been named the new announcer.
Hammond has previously filed for (and as) Pardo a few times over the years. However, Lorne Michaels recently told reporters that Hammond wouldn't be doing an impression of Pardo (via The New York Times) :
“There were a lot of sweet ideas about carrying on with Don somehow. Because everyone has a Pardo impression. But he had the greatest run and he’s a completely beloved figure. So I thought: Don’t turn this into something else. That period ended.”
Lorne Michaels went on to praise Hammond’s casting, adding:
“I’m really happy about it. I think it will be good to have Darrell doing his own separate thing.”
Saturday Night Live returns next weekend on NBC with host Chris Pratt and Musical guest Ariana Grande.
Cecily Strong Talks Weekend Update Replacement:
Cecily Strong recently spoke up about being replaced as Weekend Update host by Michael Che, writing on her Instagram:
"I don't see this as me leaving update, just as me being on update in a looser, goofier way that is a lot more fun for me and in a way I think I'm better at. And now I get to do features with the very funny and wonderful Michael Che!"
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