The animation world is mourning the loss of Tom Kane, the prominent voice actor best known for bringing iconic characters to the small screen in shows such as The Powerpuff Girls and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. His death was confirmed by his rep, who said he died surrounded by family in Kansas City. Kane was 64.
Over the course of a decades-long career, Kane became one of the most recognizable voices in animation, which included video games and TV narration.
Here are five things to know about the legendary voice actor.
Tom Kane Voiced Professor Utonium and HIM on The Powerpuff Girls
Kane became a fan favorite through his work on The Powerpuff Girls, in which he voiced both the caring Professor Utonium and the sinister villain, HIM.
The series became a defining Cartoon Network hit of the late 1990s through the early 2000s, and Kane’s performances helped shape childhoods across the country.
Tom Kane Was the Voice of Yoda in Star Wars
Kane was also connected to the Star Wars universe, voicing Yoda in multiple animated projects, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, where his portrayal became a fixture among viewers.
Kane also voiced other characters in the franchise, including Admiral Ackbar, C-3PO and Boba Fett in various video games and other animated productions. His work in the franchise spanned decades.
Tom Kane Worked on Several Famous Animated Shows
Kane’s résumé stretched beyond two fan-favorite franchises. Throughout his career, he appeared in several animated series, including Kim Possible, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, The Wild Thornberrys and Archer.
He was also known for his voice work in video games, primarily in the Call of Duty franchise, in which he voiced Takeo Masaki in the Zombies mode.
Why Did Tom Kane Retire From Voice Acting?
In 2020, Kane suffered a stroke that affected his speech and ability to perform. As a result, he stepped away from voice acting and officially retired in 2021.
In one of his final public appearances, Kane reunited with the original cast of The Powerpuff Girls earlier this year.
What Was Tom Kane’s Cause of Death?
Kane died of complications from a stroke that he suffered in 2020, his rep, Zach McGinnis, told TMZ in May 2026. Kane died at a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.
“Though his voice may now be silent, the characters, stories, and love he gave to the world will live on forever,” McGinnis told the outlet in a statement.
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