Harold Douglas, originally Harold Cohen, made his entry into this world on September 1, 1924, in the charming city of Stamford, located in the state of Connecticut, USA. Throughout his remarkable six-decade-long career, Harold Douglas carved out a niche for himself as a skilled and accomplished voice actor, leaving an indelible mark on the world of movie trailers, television commercials, and stage plays.
Douglas's existence commenced with his birth to Samuel and Miriam Levenson Cohen, Jewish immigrants who had traversed the globe in pursuit of new beginnings. However, fate had other plans, as his mother's untimely demise at the tender age of nine left an indelible mark on his early life.
In the aftermath of this devastating loss, Douglas was largely raised by his paternal grandparents, Sarah and Tevya Levenson, who selflessly assumed the responsibility of rearing him alongside his brother Edwin.
Douglas's professional journey commenced in the 1950s with a foray into the realm of radio broadcasting, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for the medium. As the decade drew to a close, he began to transition into the fast-paced world of advertising, taking on the role of producer for several prominent agencies in New York City by the 1960s. This experience would serve as a valuable stepping stone, enabling him to hone his skills and build a reputation as a versatile and talented producer.
The early 1970s marked a significant turning point in Douglas's career, as he made the bold decision to pivot towards voice-overs for commercials, promos, and trailers. This move would prove to be a wise one, as he went on to enjoy a long and successful career in this field, delivering countless iconic voices and sounds that captivated audiences and helped to shape the very fabric of popular culture.
Throughout the decades that followed, Douglas continued to refine his craft, taking on a wide range of projects and collaborating with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. His dedication and passion for his work remained unwavering, and he was eventually able to retire in the late 2000s, his legacy as a master voice-over artist secure and his impact on the world of advertising and entertainment forever etched in the annals of history.
Douglas's remarkable career spanned a wide range of notable endeavors, with his distinctive voice being prominently featured in various promotional campaigns. He lent his iconic tone to a diverse array of projects, including television network promos for The WB, ABC, A&E, and The History Channel, as well as the annual Disney's Halloween Treat programming.
In addition to his work in television, Douglas also brought his narrating skills to a variety of documentaries, shedding light on significant events and achievements. His voice can be heard in the 1997 documentary chronicling the Detroit Red Wings' remarkable season, as well as the 1994 and 1995 documentaries celebrating the Houston Rockets' championship victories.
Furthermore, Douglas's vocal talents were showcased in a series of documentaries commemorating the Chicago Bulls' championship seasons, including the 1992, 1993, 1996, and 1997 titles. His masterful narration added depth and context to these documentaries, providing viewers with a richer understanding of the teams' accomplishments and the individuals who made them possible.
Douglas's remarkable portfolio of accomplishments culminated in a plethora of notable appearances, with a particularly memorable instance being a self-parodying cameo in the trailer for the documentary Comedian, which showcased the talents of renowned comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Furthermore, Douglas lent his voice to the trailer of the novel All the Talk Is Dead, penned by esteemed author Michael Ebner.
Douglas, an individual who diverged from the norm, chose to reside in Northern Virginia, a location that stood in stark contrast to the typical haunts of his contemporaries. His agent, situated in the bustling metropolis of New York City, rather than the iconic Hollywood hub of Los Angeles, facilitated a peculiar dynamic. This unconventional setup enabled Douglas to cultivate a singular persona within the industry, one that distinguished him from his peers and set him apart from the pack.
Hal Douglas was widely regarded by many as the most recognizable trailer voice in the entire film industry, as proclaimed by a Miramax publicist. His remarkable and illustrious career, spanning decades, was celebrated in the popular skit "5 Men and a Limo," which showcased an array of notable voiceover recording artists, including the legendary Don LaFontaine, John Leader, Nick Tate, Al Chalk, and Mark Elliot.
Douglas, a man of multifaceted interests and pursuits, made a significant life transition in 1988 by relocating to a sprawling 40-acre farm in Lovettsville, Virginia. It was here that he indulged his deep passion for organic gardening, cultivating a profound appreciation for the natural world and the simple joys of nurturing life from the earth.
As he tended to his garden, his wife, too, discovered a new enthusiasm - competitive horse riding. Together, they explored the great outdoors, their bond strengthened by shared experiences and a sense of adventure.
In addition to these personal pursuits, Douglas also established a small recording studio on the property, a testament to his creative spirit and entrepreneurial drive. This innovative setup enabled him to work from the comfort of his own home, often donning his favorite attire - a pair of cozy pajamas - as he brought his musical visions to life.
Harold Douglas, a renowned figure in the world of voice-overs, left an indelible mark on the industry, departing this mortal coil on March 7, 2014, at the ripe age of 89, his life cut short by the devastating grasp of pancreatic cancer.
