Alan Kalter, host of “Late Show With David Letterman”, deceased at 78

Alan Kalter, the announcer who presented Late Show with David Letterman for almost two decades, passed away, as Variety reports. He was 78 years old. He died Monday at Stamford Hospital in Connecticut.

Kalter began his tenure as Letterman’s advertiser in September 1995 replacing Bill Wendell after his retirement. Kalter held the position until it ended in Letterman’s final Late at night show on May 20, 2015.

While his main duties were to introduce the host and guests each evening, Kalter became a regular contributor to the nightly comedy skits. He hosted Alan Kalter Celebrity Interview, which were to take place in his announcer booth. His interviews, however, would always be overshadowed by Letterman. A cantankerous Kalter would argue with Letterman about robbing him of his big hard-to-book guests before his interviews air.

“When our 15-year-old announcer, Bill Wendell, retired, producer Robert Morton came into my office with an audio cassette containing auditions for several advertisers,” Letterman said in a statement. “Alan was the first and only voice we heard. We knew it would be our choice.

“Regardless, we’ve always had the best announcer on TV,” he added. “Wonderful voice and eagerness to play a wacky character of himself. Did I mention he could sing? Yes, he could. He did it all with enthusiasm. A very sad day, but a lot of fond memories.

With fiery hair that has earned Kalter the name “Big Red,” he always looked gag-ready, much to Letterman and the crew’s amusement. “Ours Last show writers, Alan was much more than the “From New York …” guy. He was our muse. old Last show writer Carter Bays posted on Twitter. “We loved writing for him. Such a joyful presence on the show. And around the office. Rest well, Big Red.

Kalter’s bossy voice has earned him several concerts beyond Late at night. He was the voice of USA Network and also appeared in the NBC series produced by Letterman’s Worldwide Pants Ed. He has delivered voiceovers for radio and television commercials and has also been the announcer of New York-based shows. Tell the truth, The $ 25,000 pyramid and The $ 100,000 question.