Joel Godard
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Joel Godard (born March 31, 1938 in Baldwin County, Milledgeville, Georgia) is the announcer on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. He is often featured in the show's skits, portraying a fictional version of himself.
Godard attended Emory University, and graduated in 1960 with a degree in chemistry; he was admitted to their medical school, but instead chose to go into entertainment. Since 1999, Godard has also served as announcer for NBC's annual telecast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
On Late Night with Conan O'Brien, when he is used in sketches, Godard's character is blatantly homosexual, and has an affinity for young Asian men (preferably wearing Speedos). His character will often pine for "the sweet release of death" and detail how his life is miserable (e.g., "My life is a septic tank filled to overflowing"), but he will say all these things in his cheery announcer voice and while flashing a large, open-mouthed smile, his trademark. Sketches also frequently have him committing suicide, usually by hanging. In reality, however, Godard has been married since 1983 and has one child.
