Voice acting legend Tom Kane dies at 64
The man who brought Yoda and Professor Utonium to life has passed away following stroke complications at age 64.
We lose a piece of our childhood when the voices we grew up with go quiet. Tom Kane was a master of his craft who helped define some of our favorite stories.
What happened
Tom Kane passed away on May 18, 2026. He was 64 years old. His death followed ongoing health struggles related to a stroke he suffered in 2020.
That stroke forced Kane to retire from his long career in 2021. It left him with significant challenges regarding his speech and his ability to move.
Kane was a giant in the world of voice acting. He provided the voice for Yoda in the hit series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He also voiced Professor Utonium in The Powerpuff Girls.
What the evidence shows
- Tom Kane was 64 years old at the time of his death.
- He passed away on May 18, 2026.
- The cause of death was complications from a 2020 stroke.
- He officially retired from voice acting in 2021.
- His career included iconic roles in animation and video games like Call of Duty.
The bigger question
We often forget the people behind the characters we love. We see the animation, but we rarely think about the human effort required to give those drawings a soul.
Should we do more to support voice actors who face sudden health crises? Kane’s story reminds us that these performers are human, and their work is fragile.
The other side
There is no controversy or opposing view regarding this tragic loss. The industry and fans alike have expressed deep sadness and respect for his contributions.
What happens now
Fans are looking back at his massive body of work. His legacy lives on through the thousands of hours of audio he recorded for games and shows.
Newer actors will continue to step into the roles he made famous. However, his specific take on characters like Yoda remains a high bar for the industry.
What we still don't know
- Will there be a public memorial service for fans?
- Are there unreleased recordings of his voice that might appear in future projects?
- How will his family choose to honor his legacy in the coming months?
Source note
All facts are based on reports of his passing; Tom Kane is remembered for his extensive contributions to animation and gaming.
Transparency notes
Published: May 18, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.