Steven Zirnkilton
Steven Zirnkilton or Steve Zirnkilton is an American voice actor and former politician from Maine. Zirnkilton is best known for providing the opening narration of all American series in the Law & Order franchise.
Early life and education
Zirnkilton grew up in York, Pennsylvania and spent summers in Maine. He graduated from New England College and began working for radio station WDEA in Ellsworth, Maine upon graduation. He later settled in Seal Harbor, Maine. Zirnkilton received a Legislative Sentiment for his work from Maine State Representative Chris Greeley.Career
Politics
Zirnkilton, a Republican, served for eight years in the Maine House of Representatives from 1983 to 1988 and again from 1992 to 1994. He represented part of Hancock County, Maine, including his residence in the village of Seal Harbor in the town Mount Desert. Serving in the 43rd District from 1983 to 1984 and then the 124th from 1985 to 1988 and then again from 1993 to 1994. During his final term in the House of Representatives, Zirnkilton served in leadership as Assistant Minority Leader. In 1994, when then-Congresswoman Olympia Snowe decided not to seek re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives for Maine's 2nd congressional district, Zirnkilton sought to replace her. Zirnkilton lost the primary to fellow State Representative Rick Bennett, who eventually lost the general election to State Senator John Baldacci.Zirnkilton also provides voiceovers for political ads, notably during Susan Collins's re-election campaign in 2014.