Mike McFarland, the veteran voice actor and ADR director behind some of anime’s most recognisable English dubs, has died aged 56 following a brain cancer diagnosis.

McFarland was best known as the original Funimation English voice of Master Roshi in Dragon Ball, a role he continued playing across multiple series, films and video games.

His extensive voice acting career 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. He additionally played Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.

Mike McFarland helped shape a generation of English anime dubs

McFarland’s influence extended far beyond the recording booth. Alongside his voice work, he served as an ADR director, scriptwriter, and producer on a huge collection of anime series and films.

He directed English dubs for major productions including Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, Dragon Ball, and the Rebuild of Evangelion films. His credits also included acclaimed animated films such as Summer Wars and Wolf Children.

McFarland had been facing significant health challenges since early 2025. In January, voice actor Colleen Clinkenbeard revealed that McFarland had been hospitalised after doctors discovered a brain tumour. He underwent emergency surgery and later shared an update telling fans that he was feeling better while thanking them for their support.

However, in August 2025, it was revealed that McFarland had been diagnosed with glioblastoma. The aggressive form of brain cancer that can grow and spread rapidly, making it particularly difficult to treat.

McFarland died on September 9, 2026. He was 56 years old.