Star Wars voice actor Tom Kane has died. He was 64.
“Today we say goodbye to Tom Kane — a legendary voice actor whose work shaped the childhoods and imaginations of millions around the world,” Galactic Productions talent agency announced on Monday, May 18, via Instagram, confirming Kane’s death.
The agency praised Kane, who is best known for voicing Yoda in the Star Wars franchise, for his “unforgettable performances” in the intergalactic films as well as his work on 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,” the statement continued. “But beyond the incredible career was an extraordinary man.”
The agency pointed out that Kane’s legacy goes beyond the screen, as he was a family man as well.
“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,” the statement read. “That compassion and generosity defined who he was just as much as his remarkable talent did.”
Galactic Productions concluded by saying, “Though [Kane’s] voice may now be silent, the characters, stories, and love he gave to the world will live on forever. Rest in peace, Tom Kane. Thank you for everything.”
Kane was born in Overland Park, Kansas, in April 1962. He began his voice-over work at age 15, with more than 275 projects to his name.
Kane took on the iconic voice of Yoda, which was originated by Frank Oz, in 2008’s Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Kane portrayed the character throughout the TV series by the same name from 2008 to 2020. He also voiced Yoda in multiple video games and for theme park attractions.
Outside of Star Wars, Kane is known for voicing Professor Utonium on the Powerpuff Girls and its subsequent video games and movies. He famously voiced Darwin on The Wild Thornberrys from 1998 to 2004 and reprised the role in the cartoon movie.
Following a stroke in December 2020, Kane was forced to end his voice-over career after the health scare left him unable to speak.
Kane, however, was able to attend a Powerpuff Girls reunion in March with the original actresses who voiced the cartoon superheroes.
“Reunited with my girls!!” he captioned an Instagram photo at the time while Cathy Cavadini (Blossom), Tara Strong (Bubbles) and Elizabeth Daily (Buttercup) all stood around him at the event.
Kane is survived by his wife, Cindy Roberts, whom he married in 1982, and their nine children.
