Renowned Voice Actor Tom Kane Passes Away at 64
Tom Kane, the celebrated voice behind iconic characters in the “Star Wars” series and Professor Utonium from Cartoon Network’s “The Powerpuff Girls,” passed away on Monday. He succumbed to complications from a stroke suffered in 2020.
Kane, originally from Overland Park, Kansas, died in a Kansas City hospital, surrounded by family. His attorney, Zachary McGinnis, confirmed the news in a statement.
McGinnis described Kane as a legendary voice actor whose contributions profoundly shaped the childhoods and imaginations of millions globally. His dynamic performances, which spanned genres and mediums, brought wisdom, strength, humor, and heart to each character, leaving an indelible mark on fans.
Starting his collaboration with Lucasfilm in 1996 for the video game “Star Wars: Shadow of the Empire,” Kane quickly became a staple voice in the franchise. Throughout his career, he voiced numerous characters in iconic titles, including “Star Wars: X-Wings vs. TIE Fighters,” and served as Captain Rottingham in “The Curse of Monkey Island.” He reprised his roles in various games such as “Star Wars: Episode I – Jedi Power Battle,” “Star Wars: Republic Commando,” and “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith,” along with subsequent Lego Star Wars titles.
In addition to his work in “Star Wars,” Kane was known for voicing the beloved character C-3PO. In 2003, he lent his voice to both Yoda and C-3PO in Genndy Tartakovsky’s microseries, “Star Wars: The Clone Wars 2D.” Five years later, he took on the significant role of narrator for the animated series “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”
Lucasfilm President and Chief Creative Officer Dave Filoni acknowledged Kane’s passion for the franchise, noting that while many remember him as the voice of animated Yoda, his narration embodied the spirit of “The Clone Wars.” His iconic opening narration introduced generations to the vast Star Wars galaxy.
Outside the realm of Star Wars, Kane became widely recognized for voicing Professor Utonium in “The Powerpuff Girls” from 2016 to 2019. Cartoon Network paid tribute to Kane in an Instagram post, expressing gratitude for his voice work and recognizing his lasting impact on countless fans.
McGinnis emphasized that Kane was not only a talented actor but also an extraordinary individual—a devoted husband and father of nine. Kane and his wife, Cindy Roberts, had three biological children and adopted six others through adoption or foster care. McGinnis noted that Kane’s compassion and generosity defined him, stating, “While his voice may now be silent, the characters, stories, and love he shared will endure forever.” His legacy will be remembered, and he is wished peace as he is memorialized with the words, “May the Force be with you always.”
