Mike McFarland, the acclaimed American voice actor, ADR director and writer whose distinctive performances helped shape the English-language versions of some of the most popular anime series of the past three decades, has died at the age of 56.
McFarland’s death was reported on September 9, 2026, bringing an end to a career that made him a familiar voice to generations of anime fans. He was especially recognized for portraying Master Roshi and Yajirobe in the English dubs of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, Buggy the Clown in One Piece, Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist, and Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan.
His work extended far beyond individual performances. McFarland became one of the industry’s experienced voices behind the scenes, serving as an ADR director, script writer and line producer on numerous English-language anime productions. His credits included major titles such as Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Attack on Titan, One Piece, Dragon Ball Z Kai, My Hero Academia, Psycho-Pass and Noragami.
For fans of Dragon Ball, his work as Master Roshi became particularly memorable. The character’s eccentric personality and unmistakable humor gave McFarland an opportunity to bring both comedy and warmth to the role, making his version of the legendary martial arts master instantly recognizable among English-speaking viewers.
He also became closely associated with Buggy the Clown in the English dub of One Piece, while his performance as Jean Kirstein helped make him a familiar presence throughout Attack on Titan. Behind the microphone, McFarland was equally influential, helping oversee the English adaptations of productions that introduced Japanese animation to millions of viewers around the world.
McFarland’s career in anime stretched back to the late 1990s. Over the years, he accumulated an extensive list of voice and production credits, working across television series, feature films and video games. His work included characters ranging from major recurring figures to one-off roles, while his directing and writing responsibilities allowed him to contribute to the overall quality and tone of English-language adaptations.
His professional life was also marked by a serious health battle. In January 2025, McFarland was hospitalized after doctors discovered a brain tumor and he underwent emergency surgery. He later shared an update thanking supporters and indicating that he was recovering. Months later, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
The diagnosis prompted an outpouring of support from colleagues, friends and fans throughout the anime community. People who had worked with McFarland and those who had followed his career rallied around him during his treatment, reflecting the respect he had earned over decades in the industry.
Although much of his fame came from the characters he portrayed, McFarland’s broader legacy was built on his contribution to the production of English-language anime. He was part of the generation of performers and production professionals who helped establish anime dubbing as a major part of the entertainment landscape in North America.
For longtime viewers, his voice became closely connected with characters they had followed for years. Whether delivering Master Roshi’s comic timing, Buggy’s exaggerated antics or Jean Kirstein’s more serious moments, McFarland brought a recognizable personality and energy to his performances.
News of his death has prompted fans to revisit those performances and remember the impact he had on the medium. For many, his work was part of childhoods and formative years spent watching Dragon Ball, One Piece, Fullmetal Alchemist and Attack on Titan.
McFarland leaves behind a substantial body of work that will continue to be heard by audiences long after his passing. His performances helped give English-speaking fans a connection to some of anime’s most enduring characters, while his work behind the scenes helped shape the way those stories were adapted for international audiences.
His death marks a significant loss for the voice-acting and anime communities, but the characters he brought to life will remain a lasting part of his legacy.
