Jeffrey Garcia, the beloved comedian and voice actor best known for bringing to life the hyperactive fan favourite Sheen Estevez in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, has died aged 50.
Garcia’s son, Jojo, confirmed he passed away early Wednesday morning after being taken off life support late Tuesday night at a Southern California hospital.
‘With a very heavy heart, I would like to inform everybody that my father, Jeff Garcia, has passed away,’ Jojo wrote on social media.
‘My father was a unique soul. He was unapologetically himself and I will always admire the love, compassion, and drive that he had. He taught me so much and gave me advice that I live by every single day. He was a Father, Son, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, but most of all, he was my best friend.’
Jojo concluded the message: ‘He may be gone, but he will NEVER be forgotten. He lives on through our family and friends he loved so dearly, along with the legacy he has created.
‘I know you’re in heaven smiling down and you’re in a better place now. No more pain. I’m going to make you proud pops. Fly high, Rocket Man. LLJG🕊️👼🏼’
‘Please give me and my family the time and privacy we need during this difficult time🙏🏽 I appreciate the kind words and wishes.’
According to insiders who spoke with TMZ, Garcia had endured several significant medical crises over recent months.
In the spring, he reportedly suffered a brain aneurysm that caused a fall and subsequent head injury.
Though he initially recovered, his health remained precarious. More recently, Garcia is said to have suffered a stroke, and sources noted that he had been forced to cancel several stand-up shows as his condition fluctuated.
Just weeks ago, around November 20, Garcia was hospitalized with pneumonia. He was discharged after what was described as a brief stay, but his health deteriorated again this week.
He was admitted to hospital on Monday with breathing difficulties, and on Tuesday one of his lungs collapsed, prompting the family’s decision to withdraw life support.
Born May 3, 1975, Garcia built a long and varied career across comedy clubs, animated series and films, and live-action roles.
He first made his name in Southern California’s stand-up circuit, before moving into the realm of voice acting.
His role as Sheen Estevez in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and its subsequent spin-offs The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius and Planet Sheen, turned him and his character into a pop-culture fixture.
Beyond Jimmy Neutron, Garcia lent his talent to a wide range of animated projects, including Barnyard, Happy Feet, Rio, and Clone High, among many others.
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