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
— J Michael Tatum (@JMichaelTatum) September 10, 2026
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.”
Crunchyroll also shared a statement with IGN: “Mike brought so much to all of us who knew him, and to all of the anime fans who knew his work. He was an incredible talent, a good friend to so many of us, and will be sorely, sorely missed,” it said.
Shit doesn’t feel real but Mike McFarland passed away yesterday.
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.
It just doesn’t feel…
— Alejandro Saab | DEADPOOL | Marvel Rivals (@KaggyFilms) September 10, 2026
Still others are remembering heartwarming moments from many years ago, with one fan going viral after sharing a clip of the actor revealing his casting in Ouran High School Host Club, where he took to the stage dressed as his character.
In memory of Mike McFarland, let us remember the time @caitlinsvoice introduced him at the Ouran High School Host Club cast announcement at Anime Expo 2008 and he appeared fully dressed up as Ranka. Man was truly dedicated.
Source: https://t.co/ta906PihjX pic.twitter.com/PPjYdiW8Nv
— Daniel Fitzpatrick (@DanielFitzpat11) September 10, 2026
I know he was best known for other roles, but he will always be Nash to me… This is so sad to to hear…
I met him in person and he told me he doesn’t do any recordings for free, but when he saw me bust out all of my Nash merch to have signed he asked “wait is this for… https://t.co/uGdgaVTqht pic.twitter.com/yQicmTNwWl
— 🥀𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞⚰️スプーキー🦇 (@SpookyMeylani) September 10, 2026
McFarland touched the lives of many fans with his stellar and memorable performances throughout his career. His decades of work as a voice actor, script writer, ADR director, producer, and the many other hats he wore during his lifetime shaped the industry and the English voice acting industry as we know it. Words can’t fully define his impact on the world, but his work speaks for itself. Go watch some anime in memory of Mike McFarland today.
Virginia Glaze
News Editor
Virginia (she/her) is IGN’s News Editor. With ten years of experience reporting on games and entertainment, she’s got a storied background in the fighting game community, influencer news, and viral online trends. Find her on Twitter at @TheeMissGlaze.
Image Credits: Toei Animation / Mike McFarland / Bandai Namco / Shueisha
