According to multiple reports, the legendary voice actor Tom Kane, who voiced Yoda in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Professor Utonium in The Powerpuff Girls, and many other characters, has passed away at 64. Kane died on Monday, according to his talent agency, Galactic Productions, which announced the prolific voice actor’s death on Facebook.
“From his unforgettable performances in Star Wars to countless animated series, documentaries, and games, Tom brought wisdom, strength, humor, and heart to every role he touched. His voice became part of our lives, our memories, and the stories we carry with us,” Galactic Productions wrote in its post.
“Though his voice may now be silent, the characters, stories, and love he gave to the world will live on forever,” it continued. “But beyond the incredible career was an extraordinary man. Tom was a devoted husband and father who, alongside his wife, built a loving family of nine children — three biological and six welcomed through adoption and fostering.”
A staple of animation across multiple licenses and generations, Kane voiced Yoda and Admiral Yularen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars for seven seasons. Kane also voiced Professor Utonium in the original Powerpuff Girls series from 1998 to 2004. He reprised the beloved role in multiple spin-off movies and video games, as well as Cartoon Network’s reboot, which aired from 2016 to 2018.
In addition to contributing to animated features and series, Kane lent his voice to video game characters, such as Monkey Fist in Kim Possible: Revenge of the Monkey Fist, Boba Fett in Star Wars: Rogue Squadron III – Rebel Strike, Professor Charles Xavier in Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, Professor Utonium in Cartoon Network Racing, and many more. For horror fans, you might recognize Kane as the voice of Dr. Loomis in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later.
I’m gutted to hear about the passing of Tom Kane. He’s voiced so many beloved characters across generations, and the animation space won’t be the same without his talent and energy, which give projects an added zip of personality and warmth. We wish Mr. Kane safe travels into the Great Hereafter and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Rest well, sir.