hal_douglas.jpg

Hal Douglas appears in "A Great Voice," a documentary about the legendary movie trailer voice-over artist's career.

(YouTube video still)

Legendary voice-over artist Hal Douglas has died at 89, according to multiple reports. His daughter, Sarah Douglas, told The New York Times he passed away Friday at his home in Lovettsville, Virginia, from complications caused by pancreatic cancer.

Douglas was best known as the narrator for thousands of movie trailers as varied as "Forrest Gump," "Men in Black," "Lethal Weapon" and "Meet the Parents." His booming, baritone voice was heard by "audiences everywhere," previewing the next big box office hit for fans of drama, action and comedy films.

"This summer, check your weapons, take your seat... and say your prayers," he boldly said in the clip for "Con-Air" in 1997.

According to the Times, Douglas also worked as a consultant and voice coach for A-list celebrities until two years ago. He rarely appeared on-screen, but spoofed his talents in the trailer for Jerry Seinfeld's 2002 documentary "Comedian."

"In a world where laughter was king," he said, before producers shut down the usual movie promo cliches ("in a world," "in a land," "one man").

Douglas was one of the premier voices in the business for six decades, second perhaps only to "the voice of God" Don LaFontaine, who died in 2008. Besides trailers, Douglas' voice was also heard on television promos for A&E and The History Channel, in commercials for cars and condoms, and voice-overs for stage plays.

The Connecticut native, born Harold Cone, was a Navy pilot during World War II who studied acting at the University of Miami, according to the Washington Post. He moved to New York and changed his name to begin working in radio and television, primarily as a voice artist.

The Guardian reports Douglas talked about his career in a 2013 documentary short called "A Great Voice," where he downplayed his talents.

"I never thought of it as a great voice," he said, suggesting he sounded "throaty, chesty, a voice in need of clearing."

Douglas is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ruth Francis Douglas, and three children.