Tom Kane, an iconic voice actor known for Star Wars: The Clone Wars series and The Powerpuff Girls, has died aged 64, it has been confirmed.
Kane’s representative, Zach McGinnis, informed TMZ of the news today.
‘Though his voice may now be silent, the characters, stories, and love he gave to the world will live on forever,’ McGinnis said in a heartfelt tribute.
‘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.’
No further details of his death were shared, but it is known that Kane died in hospital, surrounded by his family.
He reportedly suffered long-term complications from his stroke in 2020.
Kane’s most famous characters include Jedi Grand Master Yoda, Professor Utonium (the scientist who creates the Powerpuff Girls), and animated demonic villain HIM.
Just weeks ago, he shared his final Instagram post, posing alongside the actresses who voiced the Powerpuff Girls.
‘Reunited with my girls!!’, his sweet caption read.
Canadian star Tara Strong, 53, who gave her voice to Bubbles, commented underneath: ‘We were SO happy…so emotional to be back with our professor. It’s been way too long beautiful friend 🩷🩵💚🤍 our hearts are filled with joy to be back together with you & to hear your beautiful voice slowly coming back brought tears to our eyes. @tkanevo you are an angel on earth, always have been.’
The original trio, who attended the Lexington Comic & Toy Convention in late March, also comprised E.G. Daily (Buttercup) and Cathy Cavadini (Blossom).
Captioning her own snap, Daily declared it an ‘amazing reunion’.
In addition to the aforementioned popular characters, Kane lent his voice to various video games, such as the Call of Duty franchise.
Sadly, Kane retired from voice acting six years ago after his stroke left him unable to speak.
His daughter gave fans an update in December that year after he had been absent on social media and missed events.
She explained online that he’d suffered ‘a left-sided stroke that gave him right-sided weakness and damage to the speech centre of his brain’.
Consequently, he could not ‘efficiently communicate verbally, nor read or spell’.
‘He is still competent and very much himself, but can only get out a few words right now.’
‘My dad still remains in good spirits, and his extreme stubbornness has helped him already show improvements in speech,’ she added.
‘He is fully on board with me sharing this, and he will see anything you guys post.’
At the time, Mark Hamill, 74, who played Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars franchise, wrote on X: ‘Tom Kane is an enormously gifted actor & a genuinely nice person. I look forward to him making a complete & full recovery. I know the Voice-Over Community & his countless fans feel exactly the same way. Sending love to him & the entire Kane family.’
Tributes are now flooding the internet as fans learn of his death and celebrate his career.
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