(CNN) -- Don Pardo, the announcer whose velvety baritone voice introduced "Saturday Night Live" hosts on NBC for decades, has died at age 96, the network announced. Pardo was the announcer for "SNL" for all but one season over the program's 39-year run. Prior to announcing for the comedy show, he was a familiar voice on NBC, handling the announcing duties on such programs as the old "Price Is Right" and the Art Fleming-hosted version of "Jeopardy!" In a tweet, "NBC Nightly News" described Pardo as "legendary," and cast members from "SNL's" long run chimed in with approval. "Any SNL actor will tell u:the ultimate moment of your career was hearing Don Pardo say your name. Each week he represented a dream come true," tweeted Rachel Dratch, who appeared on the show from 1999 to 2006.
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Don Pardo was 96 years old
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He was best known for introducing "Saturday Night Live" hosts
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Pardo was among first to report on JFK being shot
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NBC personalities remember him as legendary
The original version, with @placeholder as host, ran from 1964 to 1975.