In a world....without Don LaFontaine

Yesterday (August 2, 2008), America's most famous voiceover, Don LaFontaine (originator of the 'In a world...' phrase at the beginning to movie trailers), passed away at the age of 68 from complications from a blood clot in his lung.

What a lot of people don't realize about him is that he was actually a writer, director, producer, etc. before he got into voice acting, by accident. He had reportedly done voice overs for over 5,000 films and projects, as well as appeared in many commercials and TV promotional spots.

Don is an example of just how many ways one can break into the Hollywood scene. His creativity and unique talent helped propel him to the top of Hollywood, even though most people never even knew his name. He also played a major role in the way movie trailers were designed, with his voice and delivery in mind as they decided how to put the visuals together.