Summary (tl;dr)

Legendary voice actor Tom Kane, known for his iconic roles in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "The Powerpuff Girls," has passed away at 64 due to complications from a stroke he suffered in 2020.

Essential Background

In November 2020, Tom Kane suffered a left-sided stroke that resulted in weakness on his right side and damage to the speech center of his brain, leaving him largely unable to communicate verbally. This stroke led to his early retirement from voice acting in September 2021, as the damage to his speech center was too severe, causing him to have difficulty with reading and forming words. Despite these challenges, Kane remained in good spirits and continued to make public appearances, including a "Powerpuff Girls" reunion.

The Full Story

Tom Kane, a prolific voice actor, died on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the age of 64. His death was confirmed by his representative, Zach McGinnis, who stated that Kane passed away in a Kansas City hospital due to complications arising from the stroke he experienced in 2020. Kane was widely recognized for his voice work as Professor Utonium in "The Powerpuff Girls," Yoda in "Star Wars: The Clone Wars," and Admiral Ackbar in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," among many other roles across animated series, films, and video games.

Why It Matters

Tom Kane's passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, particularly for fans of animation and science fiction, as his distinctive voice brought to life numerous beloved characters. His extensive career spanned decades, making his voice a memorable part of many people's lives and childhoods. His ability to continue engaging with fans despite his health challenges following the stroke also highlights his dedication and impact.

Geographic Location

• Kansas City, Missouri, United States (Tom Kane passed away in a hospital)