Mike McFarland, the veteran voice actor and ADR director whose work helped shape English-language anime for decades, died at 56. McFarland passed away on September 9, 2026, following a battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. His death was reported by multiple outlets, with People reporting that he died surrounded by loved ones at a Dallas care facility.
The Texas-born performer became one of the most recognizable voices in English-dubbed anime. While his résumé covered numerous major franchises, fans particularly remember him as the English voice of Master Roshi in Dragon Ball and Buggy the Clown in One Piece.
Mike McFarland’s Anime Career Spanned Decades
McFarland began building his reputation in the English-dubbing industry during the late 1990s. His work on Dragon Ball introduced him to generations of fans, with his portrayal of Master Roshi becoming one of his defining performances.
He also voiced Yajirobe and several other characters within the Dragon Ball franchise. TV Guide’s cast records credit McFarland with roles including Master Roshi and Yajirobe.
His résumé extended well beyond Dragon Ball. McFarland voiced Buggy the Clown in One Piece, Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan, Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist, and Koutarou Amon in Tokyo Ghoul. He also appeared in productions such as My Hero Academia, One-Punch Man, and Psycho-Pass.
He Was Also a Major Force Behind the Scenes
McFarland’s contribution to anime was not limited to acting. He worked as an ADR director, scriptwriter, and producer, helping shape the English-language versions of major Japanese productions.
His directing credits included Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, Dragon Ball, and the Rebuild of Evangelion films. He was therefore involved in both sides of the dubbing process, performing characters while also helping other actors bring their roles to life.
That influence was reflected in the reaction from fellow performers following his death. Voice actor Matthew Mercer remembered McFarland as “a brilliant friend” while discussing the opportunities McFarland gave him during his career.
McFarland Faced a Difficult Final Chapter
McFarland’s health problems became public in early 2025. He underwent emergency surgery after doctors discovered a brain tumor. Later that year, reports revealed that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma.
A fundraising campaign was established to help with his medical and living expenses, eventually raising more than $300,000. His battle with the disease continued for more than a year before his death.
According to reports, friends and colleagues continued visiting McFarland during his final months, sharing stories and spending time with him. His passing has since prompted tributes throughout the anime voice-acting community.
| Started | October 22, 1997 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Author | Eiichiro Oda |
