Home · Entertainment · Sep 11 archive
Legendary Voice Actor Mike McFarland Dies at 56 After Battling Brain Cancer
Confirmed
In Short: Mike McFarland, a pivotal figure in English-language anime dubbing, passed away at 56 after a long battle with glioblastoma, leaving behind a legacy of iconic voices in beloved series like 'Dragon Ball Z' and 'One Piece'.
Mike McFarland, a legendary voice actor who shaped how American audiences experienced anime, has died at the age of 56 after a battle with glioblastoma. His career spanned decades, during which he became one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, known for roles in 'Dragon Ball Z,' 'One Piece,' and 'Attack on Titan.
For many, McFarland's voice is inseparable from childhood memories of discovering some of the most beloved anime series. Beyond his work as a voice actor, he was also a script writer, director, and line producer, contributing significantly to the English dubbing of anime. His contributions helped shape the medium for an entire generation of American fans.
McFarland began his career in the late 1990s with Funimation and later worked with Crunchyroll, bringing iconic characters to life. He voiced Master Roshi and Yajirobe in the 'Dragon Ball' franchise, Buggy the Clown in 'One Piece,' and Jean Kirstein in 'Attack on Titan.' His work on 'Dragon Ball GT' allowed him to fully explore his villainous side with the character Baby.
News of McFarland's passing spread through the industry, with colleagues sharing their love and support. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to aid in his recovery, but it was paused after his death. McFarland was surrounded by friends and family at a Dallas health facility during his final days, with colleagues sharing their tributes to keep his spirits up.
What's confirmed
- Mike McFarland, a legendary voice actor who shaped how American audiences experienced anime, has died at the age of 56 after a battle with glioblastoma. His career spanned decades, during which he became one of the most recognizable voices in the industry, known for roles in 'Dragon Ball Z,' 'One Piece,' and 'Attack on Titan.
- For many, McFarland's voice is inseparable from childhood memories of discovering some of the most beloved anime series. Beyond his work as a voice actor, he was also a script writer, director, and line producer, contributing significantly to the English dubbing of anime. His contributions helped shape the medium for an entire generation of American fans.
- McFarland began his career in the late 1990s with Funimation and later worked with Crunchyroll, bringing iconic characters to life. He voiced Master Roshi and Yajirobe in the 'Dragon Ball' franchise, Buggy the Clown in 'One Piece,' and Jean Kirstein in 'Attack on Titan.' His work on 'Dragon Ball GT' allowed him to fully explore his villainous side with the character Baby.
- News of McFarland's passing spread through the industry, with colleagues sharing their love and support. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to aid in his recovery, but it was paused after his death. McFarland was surrounded by friends and family at a Dallas health facility during his final days, with colleagues sharing their tributes to keep his spirits up.
What's still developing
- McFarland died Wednesday, September 10, at the age of 56, following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer.
- News of the iconic star’s passing had been popping up through the evening as fellow members of the industry had begun sharing their tribute, and a new report from TMZ has unfortunately confirmed that McFarland has died following a battle with brain cancer.
- McFarland had been revealed to have been battling an illness last Summer, with a GoFundMe ( which has since been paused ) opened to aid in recovery.
- Dragon Ball GT even allowed the actor to fully dive into his villain era with Baby, a villain that was such a standout that it still is a shame that he was never fully incorporated into the overall canon.
- McFarland played such a key role that it’s hard to image the dubs of these shows without his voice helping them along.