Star Wars and Powerpuff Girls voice actor Tom Kane dies at 64
The prolific voice actor behind Yoda, Professor Utonium, and the Walt Disney World monorail narration died from complications of a 2020 stroke.
Tom Kane, the prolific voice actor behind iconic characters like Yoda in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Professor Utonium in The Powerpuff Girls, and countless others across animation and video games, has died. He was 64.
Kane passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026, at a hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by family. His cause of death was complications from a stroke he suffered in late 2020. The stroke left him with significant challenges, including right-sided weakness and damage to the speech center of his brain, which ultimately forced him to step away from voice acting.
A four-decade career across Star Wars, animation, and Disney parks
Thomas Kane Roberts was born on April 15, 1962, in Overland Park, Kansas. He began his voice-over career in 1977 and went on to become one of the most versatile and in-demand voice actors in the industry. Over more than four decades, he amassed hundreds of credits across television, film, video games, and theme park attractions.
His most famous roles include Jedi Master Yoda in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, both the 2008 film and animated series, where he also voiced Admiral Ackbar, Admiral Yularen, and served as the show’s narrator. He brought gravitas and warmth to the wise Jedi Master while also handling a wide range of other Star Wars characters across Lego projects and other media.
In animation, Kane was beloved as Professor Utonium, the kind-hearted creator of the Powerpuff Girls, as well as the chaotic villain HIM in the same series. Other standout performances include Mr. Herriman in Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Darwin the chimpanzee in The Wild Thornberrys, Lord Monkey Fist in Kim Possible, and Woodhouse in Archer, a role he took over after George Coe‘s passing.
He also lent his distinctive voice to video games, most notably as Takeo Masaki in the Call of Duty Zombies mode, along with characters in titles like Batman: Arkham City, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and various Star Wars games. Fans of Disney parks may recognize his voice from the Walt Disney World monorail narration and other attractions.
Kane spoke out about Admiral Ackbar’s death in The Last Jedi
While generally professional and well-liked in interviews, Kane sometimes shared frank opinions about projects he worked on. One of the more notable moments came after Star Wars: The Last Jedi, in which he voiced Admiral Ackbar.
Kane expressed disappointment with how the character was handled in the film. Ackbar’s death occurred relatively off-screen and without much ceremony during the Resistance’s escape sequence. In interviews and appearances around that time, Kane noted that the character essentially got “fried” without the send-off many fans expected. Clips from events, including what appeared to be a Star Wars Celebration panel, circulated online and created discussion within parts of the fandom.
The comments stood out because voice actors are often expected to stay positive about the franchises they contribute to. While it did not lead to major controversy, it did spark conversation among fans who shared his view that Ackbar deserved more respect in his final appearance.
The 2020 stroke ended his ability to voice act
Kane’s career was cut short by a major stroke in November 2020. His daughter publicly shared at the time that it was a left-sided stroke that caused right-sided weakness and affected his speech. He was never able to fully return to voice work after the incident and largely retired from the industry.
Despite the challenges, those who knew him described him as warm and dedicated to his craft until the end. His representative, Zach McGinnis, confirmed the news of his passing and noted that “though his voice may now be silent, the characters, stories, and love he gave to the world will live on forever.”
A legacy across multiple generations of fans
Tom Kane’s voice was a constant in the lives of multiple generations. Whether it was the calm wisdom of Yoda guiding young Jedi, the cheerful guidance of Professor Utonium, or the stern commands of Admiral Ackbar, his performances brought depth and personality to beloved characters.
He is survived by his wife, Cindy Roberts, and their nine children. Tributes from fans, fellow voice actors, and studios have already begun pouring in, celebrating not just his iconic roles but the consistency and passion he brought to every project.
Rest in peace, Tom Kane. Your voice may be gone, but the characters you brought to life will continue speaking to audiences for years to come.
Article compiled and edited by Derek Gibbs (entertainment editor) and the Pirates and Princesses newsroom.
For more Disney, theme parks, geek lifestyle, and family entertainment coverage, visit piratesandprincesses.net. Watch the show on YouTube at @Disney-podcast. Subscribe to the Pirates and Princesses podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and wherever you get your podcasts.
Hat Tips:
TMZ and E! News, initial reporting on Tom Kane’s passing and cause of death (May 18, 2026)
Wikipedia and Behind The Voice Actors, comprehensive career credits and biography
Syfy Wire and fan-reported clips, coverage of Kane’s comments on Admiral Ackbar in The Last Jedi
Various fan and industry tributes, reflections on his work in Star Wars, The Powerpuff Girls, and beyond