Who Is Don LaFontaine? Age, Biography and Wiki
Don LaFontaine, known as the voice of Hollywood, was born on August 26, 1940. Renowned for his deep, resonant voice, LaFontaine became a staple in the entertainment industry, particularly famous for his work on movie trailers. Tragically, he passed away in 2008, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in voiceover work. In 2025, he is remembered for transforming the industry and setting a high bar for aspiring voice actors.
| Occupation | Voice Actors |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 26, 1940 |
| Age | 68 Years |
| Birth Place | Duluth, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 1 September, 2008 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Don LaFontaine's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although exact details about LaFontaine's height, weight, and measurements are often overshadowed by his vocal talents, he was estimated to be around 6 feet tall. His engaging personality complemented his physical presence, making him a memorable figure both on and off the mic.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Don LaFontaine was married twice during his lifetime. He had three daughters, which kept him grounded amid his celebrity status. His relationships, particularly with his second wife, actress and producer, were characterized by mutual support for each other's careers. Though he is not alive in 2025, LaFontaine's family continues to share his legacy and influence within the entertainment realm.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Don LaFontaine's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. Known for his work in movie trailers and commercial voiceovers, he commanded high fees for his projects. LaFontaine’s income not only stemmed from voice work but also from royalties and investments he made during his career. His financial success set a precedent for future voice actors, demonstrating the potential for profit in this unique niche.
He became the head of Kaleidoscope Films Ltd., a movie trailer production company, before starting his own company, Don LaFontaine Associates, in 1976. Shortly thereafter, he was hired by Paramount to do their trailers and was eventually promoted to vice president.
He decided to get back into trailer work and left Paramount, moving to Los Angeles in 1981. LaFontaine was contacted by an agent who wanted to promote him for voiceover work, and from then on worked in voiceovers. At his peak, he voiced about 60 promotions a week, and sometimes as many as 35 in a single day.
Once he established himself, most studios were willing to pay a high fee for his service. His income was in the millions.
Career, Business and Investments
LaFontaine's career spanned several decades, during which he voiced over 5,000 movie trailers and countless commercials. He was the voice behind iconic phrases like "In a world..." and has worked with virtually every major studio in Hollywood. Following his death, his recordings have been used in numerous productions, proving that his voice continues to resonate even posthumously.
In addition to his voice acting, LaFontaine was a savvy businessman. He invested in various ventures and spent considerable time mentoring young talent in the industry, ensuring that his legacy would influence future generations of performers.
He became identified with the phrase "In a world...", used in so many movie trailers that it became a humorous catchphrase. Widely known in the film industry, the man whose nicknames included "Thunder Throat", "The Voice of God" and "The King of Movie Trailers", became known to a wider audience through commercials for GEICO insurance and the Mega Millions lottery game.
Social Network
Although LaFontaine did not have personal social media accounts during his life due to his preference for privacy, his influence extends across platforms where fans and industry professionals celebrate his work. His legacy is preserved on various fan pages and tribute sites that keep his memory alive through clips, interviews, and testimonials.
LaFontaine lent his distinctive voice to thousands of movie trailers during his career, spanning every genre from every major film studio, including The Cannon Group, for which he voiced one of their logos (he also voiced the Viacom closing logo in 1990, simply saying the company's name after it had been formed on the screen).
For a time, LaFontaine had a near-monopoly on movie trailer voiceovers. Some notable trailers which LaFontaine highlighted in the intro on his official website include: Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Shrek, Friday the 13th, Law & Order and Batman Returns.
LaFontaine stated in 2007 that his favorite work in a movie trailer was for the biographical film The Elephant Man, though according to a response to the question on his website, he had several trailers which stood out in his mind, and he didn't like to choose one.
Education
Don LaFontaine graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in dramatic arts, which laid a strong foundation for his voice acting career. His education not only honed his vocal skills but also prepared him for a long-lasting career in performance. Even in 2025, aspiring voice actors look up to LaFontaine as a paradigm of what dedication and talent can achieve.
1918). LaFontaine said his voice cracked at age 13 in mid-sentence, giving him the bass tones that later brought him much fame and success. After graduating from Duluth Central High School in 1958, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an audio engineer with the U.S. Army Band and the U.S. Army Chorus.
