Mike McFarland Death and Obituary – Dragon Ball and One Piece Voice Actor Dies at 56

Mike McFarland, the veteran voice actor, ADR director, scriptwriter, and producer known for his work across some of anime’s most recognizable English-language productions, has died at the age of 56.

McFarland died on September 9, 2026, following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. News of his passing has brought sadness to fans of anime and the many productions shaped by his work over a career spanning decades.

He was particularly known for his voice portrayal of Master Roshi in the English dub of Dragon Ball, a role he continued across multiple series, films, and video games. His voice-acting credits also included Buggy the Clown in One Piece, Carnage Kabuto in One-Punch Man, Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan, and Kotaro Amon in Tokyo Ghoul.

McFarland also portrayed Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, adding another major anime franchise to an extensive list of credits.

Beyond performing, McFarland made a significant contribution to English anime dubbing through his work as an ADR director, scriptwriter, and producer. He directed English dubs for productions including Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, Dragon Ball, and the Rebuild of Evangelion films.

His directing credits also extended to acclaimed animated films including Summer Wars and Wolf Children, demonstrating the breadth of his involvement in the anime industry.

McFarland’s health struggles became public in 2025. He was hospitalized in January after doctors discovered a brain tumor and underwent emergency surgery. He later thanked fans for their support and shared an update indicating that he was feeling better.

In August 2025, it was revealed that McFarland had been diagnosed with glioblastoma.

His death marks the loss of a performer and creative professional whose voice and behind-the-scenes work helped shape the English-language anime experience for generations of viewers.

Mike McFarland was 56. His work across Dragon Ball, One Piece, Attack on Titan, and numerous other productions leaves a lasting legacy within the anime community.