Tom Kane, who voiced the character in the “Star Wars” series and Professor Utonium on Cartoon Network’s “The Powerpuff Girls,” died Monday from complications from a stroke he suffered in 2020.
Subscribe to read this story without ads
Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
He was 64 years old.
Kane, a native of Overland Park, Kansas, died surrounded by his family at a hospital in Kansas City, his attorney Zachary McGinnis said in a statement.
McGinnis recalled Cain as “a legendary voice actor whose work shaped the childhoods and imaginations of millions of people around the world.”
“From his unforgettable performance in Star Wars to countless animated series, documentaries and games, Tom brought wisdom, strength, humor and heart to every role he played. His voice became part of our lives, our memories and the stories we carry with us,” McGinniss said.
Kane began working with Lucasfilm as a voice actor on the 1996 video game “Star Wars: Shadow of the Empire,” according to an online “Star Wars” biography honoring him.
He also voiced characters in Star Wars: X-Wings vs. TIE Fighters, Captain Rottingham in The Curse of Monkey Island, and other Star Wars intergalactic projects, including Star Wars: The Challenge of Yoda — Activity Center. He reprized the role in video games such as Star Wars: Episode I – Jedi Power Battle, Star Wars: Republic Commando, and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, as well as subsequent Lego Star Wars games and series.
In other video games, he voiced the fan-favorite character C-3PO.
In 2003, Kane provided the voices of Yoda and C-3PO in Genndy Tartakovsky’s microseries Star Wars: The Clone Wars 2D. Five years later, he landed his most prominent role at Lucasfilm as the narrator of the new Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
“Tom loved Star Wars,” Lucasfilm president and chief creative officer Dave Filoni said in a statement. “Tom loved Star Wars. Fans may remember him best as the voice of the animated Yoda, but his voice was the very spirit of The Clone Wars.” “His opening narration introduced an entire generation to the Star Wars galaxy and prepared viewers for another adventure far, far away.”
Outside of Star Wars, Kane is best known for voicing Professor Utonium on Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls from 2016 to 2019.
In an Instagram post, Cartoon Network wrote, “Rest in Peace, Teacher. Thank you, Tom Kane, for lending your voice to the father of three perfect girls and bringing ‘The Force’ to millions of fans. You will live forever in our childhood memories.”
McGinnis said that beyond Caine’s work as an actor, he was an “extraordinary person”, a “devoted” husband and father of nine children. McGinniss said Kane and his wife, Cindy Roberts, have three biological children and have adopted six other children through adoption or foster care.
“As much as his extraordinary talent, his compassion and generosity defined him as a person,” he said. “His voice may be silent now, but the characters, stories and love he gave the world will live on forever. Rest in peace, Tom Kane. Thank you for everything. May the Force be with you always.”
