‘Star Wars' and ‘Powerpuff Girls' voice actor Tom Kane dies at 64
Tom Kane, who voiced characters in the “Star Wars” franchise and Professor Utonium in Cartoon Network’s “The Powerpuff Girls,” died Monday from complications of a stroke he suffered in 2020.
He was 64.
Kane, from Overland Park, Kansas, died at a hospital in Kansas City surrounded by his family, Zachary McGinnis, his representative, said in a statement.
McGinnis remembered Kane as a “legendary voice actor whose work shaped the childhoods and imaginations of millions around the world.”
“From his unforgettable performances in Star Wars to countless 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,” McGinnis said.
Kane began working with Lucasfilm as a voice actor on the 1996 video game “Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire,” according to an online “Star Wars” biography honoring the actor.
He also voiced characters for “Star Wars: X-Wing vs. TIE fighter,” Captain Rottingham in “The Curse of Monkey Island,” and other “Star Wars” galaxy projects, including “Star Wars: Yoda’s Challenge — Activity Center.” He reprised the role for video games, including “Star Wars: Episode I — Jedi Power Battles,” “Star Wars: Republic Commando,” and “Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith,” and later LEGO “Star Wars” games and series.
In other video games, he voiced the fan-favorite character C-3PO.
In 2003, Kane voiced Yoda and C-3PO for Genndy Tartakovsky’s “Star Wars: Clone Wars 2D” micro-series. Five years later, he landed his most prominent Lucasfilm role as the narrator for the new “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”
“Tom loved ‘Star Wars’. Fans may best remember him as the voice of the animated Yoda, but truly his voice was the spirit of the Clone Wars,” Lucasfilm President and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni said in a statement. “His opening narration introduced an entire generation to the ‘Star Wars’ galaxy, getting viewers ready for another adventure far, far, away.”
Outside of his roles for “Star Wars,” Kane is best known for voicing Professor Utonium on Cartoon Network’s “The Powerpuff Girls” from 2016 to 2019.
In an Instagram post, Cartoon Network wrote: “Rest in peace, Professor. Thank you, Tom Kane, for lending your voice to the father of three perfect little girls and bringing The Force to millions of fans. You’ll live on in our childhood memories forever.”
McGinnis said that beyond Kane’s work as an actor, he was “an extraordinary man” and a “devoted” husband and father of nine children. Kane and his wife, Cindy Roberts, had three biological children together and welcomed six other children through adoption and fostering, McGinnis said.
“That compassion and generosity defined who he was just as much as his remarkable talent did,” he said. “Though his 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. May the Force be with you, always.”
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