Harold Douglas, born Harold Cohen on September 1, 1924, in Stamford, Connecticut, was an American voice actor who left an indelible mark on the world of movie trailers, television commercials, and stage plays. Born to Jewish immigrants Samuel and Miriam Levenson Cohen, Douglas's early life was marked by tragedy, as his mother passed away when he was just nine years old. He was primarily raised by his grandparents, Sarah and Tevya Levenson.
Douglas's early career was marked by a stint in radio in the 1950s, followed by a move to New York City, where he became a producer for several prominent advertising agencies in the 1960s. By the early 1970s, he had transitioned to doing voice-overs for commercials, promos, and trailers, a career that would span six decades and earn him the nickname "the most recognizable trailer voice in the business."
Throughout his illustrious career, Douglas lent his voice to countless projects, including movie trailers, television commercials, and documentaries. He was the promotional voice for several major networks, including The WB, ABC, A&E, Disney's Halloween Treat, and The History Channel. He also provided narration for several championship documentaries, including those for the Detroit Red Wings, Houston Rockets, and Chicago Bulls.
Douglas's impressive résumé earned him a reputation as one of the most prolific voice actors of his time, with some even mistaking him for the legendary Don LaFontaine. He was known for his distinctive voice and ability to bring scripts to life, and his work can be seen in numerous films, television shows, and documentaries.
Despite his success, Douglas remained humble and grounded, living a simple life on his 40-acre farm in Lovettsville, Virginia, where he pursued his passion for organic gardening and his wife took up competitive horse riding. He even had a small recording studio built on the property, allowing him to work from home in his pajamas.
Sadly, Douglas passed away on March 7, 2014, at the age of 89, due to complications from pancreatic cancer. His legacy lives on, however, as a testament to his dedication to his craft and his ability to bring joy and excitement to audiences around the world.
