Don LaFontaine to be Posthumously Honored with an AMEE Award
January 30, 2009
The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA), the people who entertain and inform America, announced today that the AFTRA Foundation will honor recording artist Smokey Robinson, broadcaster Vin Scully, actress Jeanne Cooper, and voiceover artist Don LaFontaine at the AFTRA Media and Entertainment Excellence Awards (The AMEES), at a dinner gala event at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on March 9, 2009.
The AMEES recognize members of AFTRA, a national labor union of more than 70,000 performers, journalists, and other artists working in the entertainment and news media, who have made a significant contribution to American culture. The AMEES were created in 2003 to honor AFTRA members for excellence in their craft and their contributions to the fields of media and entertainment. Proceeds from the 2009 AMEE Awards go to benefit the AFTRA Foundation, a separate and independent non-profit organization providing support to charitable and educational endeavors.
“The AFTRA Foundation is proud to honor AFTRA members Smokey Robinson, Vin Scully, Jeanne Cooper, and Don LaFontaine for their lifetime of achievements that have entertained and informed audiences around the world,” said Shelby Scott, AFTRA Foundation President and former AFTRA National President.
Don LaFontaine, “King of Voiceovers,” who passed away on September 1, 2008, at the age of 68 will be posthumously presented with a special AMEE Tribute Award in Voiceover Artistry.
A longtime AFTRA member, Don was the voice of ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, UPN, TNT, TBS, and the Cartoon Network. He was the in-show announcer for the Academy Awards, and his unmistakable voice has been heard in hundreds of thousands of movie trailers, radio spots, and TV commercials including advertisements for Chevrolet, Pontiac, Ford, Budweiser, McDonalds, Coke, and many others.
“Don will be fondly remembered by all of us who understand and appreciate that performers behind-the-camera give life and color to the stories onscreen,” observed AFTRA National President Roberta Reardon. “He was both busy and prolific during his 40-year career, and he always had time and a kind word for his fellow union members. He always supported his union. He will never be forgotten.”
Don’s wife and fellow AFTRA member, singer-songwriter and actress Nita Whitaker, will accept the award on his behalf.
Source: AFTRA
I’m so pleased that finally someone has decided to honour DLF for his long standing contribution to the VO industry. I was so thrilled when during the Screen Actors Guild Awards that he was among those who were featured in the Passing parade list. Thanks to The American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) for remembering such a legend. I’m sure that his Wife and family will appreciate it . Thanks to VO Times for including it here.