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"Saturday Night Live" reveals the new announcer for the upcoming season 40 after longtime voiceover star Don Pardo passed away in August. Darrell Hammond is hired to introduce the NBC sketch show when it returns later this month.

Hammond, 58, is an "SNL" alum who left the show in 2009. He was a cast member on the variety show for 14 seasons, longer than any other actor in its history. He previously filled in for Pardo when the latter had laryngitis.

"He was a lovely person. When he passed, they wanted me; it felt right for me to be the one to replace him," Hammond tells USA Today. "It's been a very improbable life; I didn't expect something like this, but it feels real good."

Lorne Michaels says, "I just knew it wouldn't be anybody who sounded like Don or replicated him. It can't be what it was, but it could sort of be in the same tradition. And it will be nice to have Darrell around. He understands the show and will probably be helpful in ways we haven't yet figured out."

"SNL" will be hosted by Chris Pratt on the season premiere with Ariana Grande as a performer. Sarah Silverman will serve as an emcee on October 4 with Maroon 5 as the musical guest, and Bill Hader will return to the show as a host with Hozier singing.