From an AFTRA.com press release:
Four entertainment and media icons of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA)—Jeanne Cooper, Smokey Robinson, Vin Scully, and the late Don LaFontaine—were honored Monday, March 9 at the 2009 AFTRA Media and Entertainment Excellence Awards (The AMEES) at the Millennium Biltmore hotel in Los Angeles.
The late voiceover artist, Don LaFontaine, who passed away in September 2008, was honored with the AMEE Tribute Award in Voiceover Artistry. Known as the “King of Voiceovers,” the tribute award was presented by another legendary voiceover artist, George DelHoyo, to LaFontaine’s widow, singer Nita Whitaker-LaFontaine. “Don loved AFTRA more than anyone could possibly know,” Whitaker-LaFontaine said. “As he used to say, ‘My admiration for AFTRA and AFTRA members cannot be overstated.’ He was always proud to be an AFTRA member and work under AFTRA contracts. I wish he were here tonight to see this room so full of his friends and colleagues and so full of the same love and passion that fueled his life and work. This award is a true blessing and I am very honored to accept it on his behalf.”
