Legendary voice actor Mike McFarland has died aged 56, leaving behind an indisputable legacy with hundreds of roles across some of the most iconic anime series ever made.
News of McFarland’s death broke in the late hours of September 9, 2026. The actor was best known for being the voice of Dragon Ball’s Master Roshi, Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan, Buggy the Clown in One Piece, Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist, and many, many other characters.
If you’re an anime fan, you’ve likely heard McFarlane’s name come up at some point. His career began in the late '90s with the Dragon Ball series, later spanning into other prominent shows like YuYu Hakusho (Komada, Butajiri) and Fruits Basket (Risu Soma).
In August 2025, McFarland was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. His fellow voice actors banded together to create a GoFundMe to help raise money for his medical costs, with the likes of J Michael Tatum (Sebastian Michaelis, Erwin Smith) posting about the subject on Twitter/X.
A slew of high-profile voice actors, industry veterans, and fans have spoken out in the wake of his death.
“Mike McFarland, my dear friend and mentor of over twenty years, is gone. A rarer, more beautiful soul this world will never know. Rest in peace, Salt. The love you created endures, but damned if I know how we’ll get on without you around to share it back with,” Tatum wrote.
Mike McFarland, my dear friend and mentor of over twenty years, is gone. A rarer, more beautiful soul this world will never know. Rest in peace, Salt. The love you created endures, but damned if I know how we’ll get on without you around to share it back with. 💔 pic.twitter.com/aUr99fsqjX
Alejandro Saab, the voice of Deadpool in Marvel Rivals, also spoke out. “He was goofy, kind and smart… always had great food recommendations. Great singer! An incredible actor and director, but you guys know that, and if you think you don’t, trust me, you do,” he wrote. “It just doesn’t feel real? Like it still hasn’t settled that it’s true and it’s a damn shame… but I always wanted to be more like Mike. Travel more and actually enjoy where I’m visiting. Go to more concerts! Even when I don’t even know the music. Try foods I hadn’t tried.”
سەرچاوەی فەرمی بە زمانی ئینگلیزی: https://www.ign.com/articles/legendary-voice-actor-mike-mcfarland-dies-at-56-years-old
