Famed Voice-Over Artist Dead

Often imitated, sometimes parodied but never equaled, famed voice-over artist Don LaFontaine passed away yesterday at the age of 68 at Cedars-Sinai Medical center in L.A., after complications from a collapsed lung.

If you aren't sure you've heard his voice, just think of almost any deep, gravelly voice in a movie trailer, and it could have been Don. His strong, distinct speaking voice, which he began developing in the '60s and continued until his death, has been featured in thousands of movie trailers and commercials. 

"The Godfather," "Fatal Attraction" and "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" – all had memorable trailers thanks to Don's vocal stylings. The most recognizable and copied phrase for Don seemed to be the famous "In a world..." line, used to emphasize a moviegoing experience totally unlike real life.

He also recently parodied himself in a commercial for Geicio, lending an air of drama to an ordinary customer's ordeal.