Art Gilmore
The quintessential 'Voice of God' announcer whose rich baritone defined classic television and film trailers for decades.
1912–2010 (age 98)·American actor·Birthday: March 18·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Art Gilmore's voice was an instrument of American mid-century media, a resonant and authoritative baritone that audiences trusted implicitly. He didn't just announce shows; he framed them, lending gravity to everything from 'The Red Skelton Hour' and 'The George Gobel Show' to the thrilling previews for films like 'The Towering Inferno.' His career began in radio during its golden age, and he seamlessly transitioned to television, becoming one of the most sought-after booth announcers for CBS and later ABC. Beyond promos and series, his narration gave weight to countless documentaries, industrial films, and even Disneyland attractions. Gilmore's voice wasn't just heard; it was a foundational layer of the broadcast experience, defining an era of elegant media presentation.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Art was born in 1912, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Art Was Born
The biggest hits of 1912
Art's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1912Born
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1917Started school
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1925Became a teenager
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Could drive
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1930Could vote
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Turned 21
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1942Turned 30
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 40
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 50
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 60
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 70
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1992Turned 80
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2010Died at 98
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
Key Achievements
- Served as the primary announcer for the CBS and ABC television networks during the peak of broadcast television.
- Was the narrator for the original 'Dragnet' television series, helping establish its documentary-style tone.
- Voiced numerous iconic film trailers, including for 'Airport' and 'The Poseidon Adventure.'
Did You Know?
He was the voice of the original P.A. system announcements at Disneyland when it opened in 1955.
He provided the narration for the U.S. government's official film about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
He had a recurring acting role as a judge on the television series 'The People's Court.'
“And now, your host for the evening...”
