I’m sure over the next few days, as news of the death of Don LaFontaine spreads far and wide, there will be many folks posting comments and memories of Don. He was truly larger than life, not just a great talent, but as I got to see first hand in my one direct encounter with him, a wonderfully generous and kind human being.
My only in-person encounter with Don was at the first VOICE conference in Las Vegas in March of 2007. Don came and spoke to us one event and when his comments were finished, there were quite a few of us who lined up to ask him a question. Long before the everyone got to the microphone to ask their question, it came time to bring the evening’s activities to an end.
But Don agreed to stay, shake hands with and get photographed with everyone who wanted to get a picture with him. In a snap, all 200 plus in attendance were lined up. It took a long time, but Don stayed and greeting and was photographed with everyone who took the time to stand in line. Even though it was the end of a very long day for him. Even though everyone would have understood if he’d begged off. From those who knew him best, and from those I’ve known personally who’ve worked with him, I’ve heard exactly the same things again and again; so I know the generous spirit he showed to all of us was no fluke.
If you have a story about Don, comments are open. Share it here. I’d love to see it. I’m sure others would, too.
This is my one and only time meeting Don, at VOICE in Las Vegas, March 2007.
Update: There is a message from Don’s best friend of 30 years, Paul Pape, at Voiceover Universe.
Bob, I and everyone else in the vo world joins you in our dismay at the loss of Don. I’m not big on celebrity, never have been – at least not until I met Don at VOICE 2007. I had emailed him a few months earlier asking him a vo question. To my surprise, he emailed me back the very same day with a lengthy and thoughtful answer. I was tickled to read his first line, “I always enjoy hearing from my colleagues in the business.” I had mentioned that I teach introductory vo classes and occasionally teach them in LA. Don responded that he would try to attend one of my classes. I didn’t dream to ask, yet he simply offered of his own accord. It turns out that my class coincided with his announcing of the Oscars so it didn’t work out. But what really impressed me about this selfless man was what he said when we met face-to-face at VOICE 2007. I made it to the front of the very long line and introduced myself. At hearing my name he literally jumped as if shocked by recognition and said, “I am so sorry I couldn’t attend your class. Make sure you tell me the next time you’re in town. I’d like to make it up to you.” We continued to chat ever so briefly and as I was walking away he called my name. As I turned to look at him he mouthed the words Let me know. Call me. I couldn’t believe that he even remembered me, let alone apologized and offered to “make it up to me.” In our quick conversation he made me feel like he was there to meet me! I’m now sad to say that our subsequent schedules didn’t sync, but suffice it to say, I became a big fan of the celebrity of Don LaFontaine. He was a wonderful man who embodied all the good characteristics most celebrities could only dream of. He leaves a very big pair of shoes to fill in many ways.
Bob,
I think sharing stories is the best way to celebrate someone’s life. Thanks for sharing yours. I also shared my story of Don’s unfailing generosity on my site this morning.
http://blog.davechristi.com/?p=51
Cheers,
Dave
What an inspirational story John. I never had the joy to meet Mr. LaFontaine, but I was tickled pink when he accepted my networking offer on a voice over forum.
I was so happy just to be in his aura of association via this networking forum!
Rest in peace…my love and prayers to all
Stefania
Bob:
Being around you made him smile. That’s pretty cool. Remember that.
Best always,
– Peter
John, Stefania and Peter …
Thank you for your comments and contributions. I don’t use the word “great” about many people, but Don clearly was a great man.
Be well,
Bob
Would like to pass along my shock and sadness as well to yesterday’s news. I had the same email experience with Don during the Christmas of ’06.
The Geico thing had come out, but hadn’t exploded yet, so Don was incredibly gracious enough to tutor and offer advice through a series of emails. Listened to my demo, talked about my “instrument”, and even referred me to his agency. For a guy of his stature, schedule, and wealth, to reach out to us nobodies…the most rare of occurrences.
Unfortunately after the success of the Geico spot, Don turned off his email and basically had to run for cover from all the attention he was getting. But for a guy who was just some disembodied voice for almost 40 years, I’m so grateful he got to experience that on-camera recognition for a couple of years before his passing.
After his health scare last Christmas, I was pretty concerned. He came back, more frail in his spots, and having to use *his* instrument so frequently (his lungs), finally took him from us.
Don, you not only leave huge shoes behind to fill, but all I can picture is a darnkened booth, headphones hanging from the mic stand, and an eerie silence almost ringing in my ears.
We have lost the best. And it feels the worst.
Ryan,
Thank you for adding these touching comments and memories. You’re right. We’ve lost the best and it feels the worst.
Be well,
Bob