Darrell Hammond is returning to the hallowed halls of “Saturday Night Live” – in a new role.
The “SNL” veteran, who starred on the NBC late night series from 1995 – 2009, is coming back to Studio 8H as the show’s new announcer, replacing the legendary Don Pardo, who died on August 18 at age 96.
Pardo’s voice had introduced the show for the past 39 seasons.
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As it turns out, it’s a role Hammond has stepped into before.
“I sat in for Don when he had laryngitis several times over the years,” Hammond, 58, told USA Today. “He was a lovely person. When he passed, they wanted me; it felt right for me to be the one to replace him. It’s been a very improbable life; I didn’t expect something like this, but it feels real good.”
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In his 14 seasons on “SNL” – the longest tenure of any cast member in the show’s fabled history – Hammond was best known for his uncanny impersonations of such figures as President Bill Clinton, Vice President Al Gore, Donald Trump and Sean Connery.
Hammond will make his return to the show when the 40th season of “Saturday Night Live” premieres on September 27 on NBC, with host Chris Pratt and musical guest Ariana Grande.
— Eric Anderson
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