Mike McFarland, Iconic Voice Actor for "One Piece" and "Dragon Ball," Passes Away at 56

PUBLISHED Sep 12, 2026, 3:30 AM ET

Renowned American voice actor, ADR director, and writer Mike McFarland has passed away at the age of 56 following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. McFarland died on September 9, 2026, at a care facility in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by close friends and family. As a foundational figure in the American anime localization industry, McFarland began his career with Funimation in 1997 and spent nearly three decades shaping English-language dubs for global blockbusters. He was widely celebrated for voicing iconic characters such as Master Roshi and Yajirobe in the Dragon Ball franchise, Buggy the Clown in One Piece, Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan, and Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist. In addition to his prolific voice acting credits, he served as a lead director, scriptwriter, and line producer. His health struggles became public in early 2025 following a sudden brain tumor diagnosis. Industry peers, production companies including Crunchyroll, and millions of fans worldwide shared tributes honoring his monumental legacy.

By Shahbaz A. | JQJO News

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Left: Framing highlights his cultural contributions and legacy in bridging global media. Center: Framing focuses on biographical timelines, career accomplishments, and official announcements. Right: Framing emphasizes his individual professional resilience through his medical journey.