Hal Douglas, the legendary voice over artist who provided the narration for countless movie trailers, has died. He was 89-years-old.
Douglas’ daughter, Sarah Douglas, confirmed the news to The New York Times. He died Friday at his Lovettsville, Va. home from complications of pancreatic cancer.
Douglas was one of three artists that Hollywood executives made sure to call whenever they had a trailer or commercial that needed a voice over, along with the late Don LaFontaine and Don Morrow. As for Douglas, he became known for a booming voice that fit any movie, from Forrest Gump and Meet The Parents to Lethal Weapon.
TheWrap notes that Douglas was open to making fun of himself, starring in Jerry Seinfeld’s 2002 documentary Comedian. He was also the inspiration for Lake Bell’s directorial debut, 2013’s In A World.... The title borrowed from his famous phrase.
“I’m not outstanding in any way,” he said in a 2009 Times interview. “It’s a craft that you learn, like making a good pair of shoes. And I just consider myself a good shoemaker.”
Douglas is survived by his daughter, wife Ruth Francis Douglas and his sons from a previous marriage, Jeremy and Jon.
image courtesy of YouTube/screenshot