Comedian Darrell Hammond has been unveiled as the new announcer of long-running TV staple ‘Saturday Night Live’ when it returns for its fortieth season at the end of the month. He replaces the late Don Pardo, who had held that responsibility since the show’s debut way back in 1975 and had become an institution of late night television.

Darrell Hammond Saturday Night Live announcer
Darrell Hammond is the permanent announcing replacement for the late Don Pardo on 'SNL'

Faced with the task of replacing somebody with 39 years of experience and association with the show, ‘SNL’’s creator Lorne Michaels has gone for the next best thing in picking Hammond, who has served longer than any other performing member in the show's history, working in the cast from 1995 through to 2009.

Indeed, Hammond stepped in for Pardo on a handful of occasions in the past when he was suffering from ill health. As an impressionist, Hammond would read the show’s introductions in Pardo’s distinctive voice and few were able to tell the difference. In 1999, he even went as far as to do an improvised back-and-forth with then-host James Vanderbeek in Pardo’s voice.

However, Michaels stated that Hammond has not been selected just to do a Pardo impersonation. He said of the decision: “I’m really happy about it. I think it will be good to have Darrell doing his own separate thing”. Hammond himself has not yet reacted to the announcement, but when asked about the possibility at the time of Pardo’s death, he said that he would be “honored and thrilled” if it were to happen.

More: Chris Pratt to host 'SNL' season premiere.

Don Pardo passed away at the age of 96 in August. While his parts were pre-recorded from his home in Arizona rather than performed live at New York City from the 36th season onwards, he remained an integral part of the show. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2010.

Hammond will make his formal ‘SNL’ announcing debut on September 27th on NBC.