Mike McFarland, the veteran American voice actor and ADR director best known for voicing Master Roshi in the English-language Dragon Ball franchise, has died at the age of 56.

News of McFarland’s passing emerged on September 10, 2026, as fellow voice actors, industry colleagues and longtime fans began sharing tributes to the performer. A personal tribute circulating among people who knew him described McFarland as a friend and colleague whose work touched generations of anime fans.

McFarland’s death comes after a lengthy battle with serious illness. He was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, after undergoing emergency surgery for a brain tumor in early 2025.

Mike McFarland Dies at 56

McFarland was born July 14, 1970, in Texas City, Texas, and built a professional career that stretched across voice acting, ADR direction, script writing and anime production.

His passing at 56 has prompted an outpouring of grief from the voice-acting community and fans of the productions on which he worked.

While tributes have identified September 10, 2026, as the date of his death, further official details concerning the circumstances of his passing have not been publicly released.

The Voice Behind Master Roshi

For many anime fans, McFarland’s most recognizable role was Master Roshi in the English dub of Dragon Ball and related productions.

He also voiced several other characters throughout the franchise, including Yajirobe and other recurring roles.

His work on Dragon Ball introduced his voice to generations of viewers and helped make him one of the familiar performers associated with the English-language version of the franchise.

A Career Across Anime

McFarland’s career extended far beyond Dragon Ball.

He voiced Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist and Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan. He was also known for portraying Buggy the Clown in the English dub of One Piece.

His other credits included characters in My Hero Academia, Black Clover, Tokyo Ghoul, Fruits Basket, One-Punch Man, The Seven Deadly Sins and numerous other anime productions.

His video-game work included appearances connected to major franchises, further expanding the reach of his voice-acting career.

Mike McFarland as an ADR Director

McFarland’s influence on anime went beyond performing.

He was an experienced ADR director, script writer and production professional who helped shape English-language adaptations of numerous Japanese productions.

Among the projects associated with his directing work were Fullmetal Alchemist, Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, Evangelion, Summer Wars, Wolf Children, The Boy and the Beast and other major anime titles.

Colleagues have frequently highlighted his contribution to the development of English anime dubbing and his willingness to mentor and encourage other performers.

Battle With Glioblastoma

McFarland’s health struggles became publicly known in January 2025 after he was hospitalized with a brain tumor and underwent emergency surgery.

He subsequently provided an update thanking supporters for their concern and expressing optimism during his recovery.

Later in 2025, it was announced that he had been diagnosed with glioblastoma. His friends, colleagues and fans rallied around him through fundraising efforts and continued to share messages of support.

His illness eventually became an important part of the final chapter of his life, although a formal statement giving the precise medical circumstances of his death has not been released.

Tributes From the Anime Community

Following news of his death, tributes spread quickly across the anime and voice-acting community.

People who worked with McFarland remembered not only his talent but also his generosity, humor and influence as a mentor.

Fans have particularly reflected on his performances as Master Roshi, Buggy the Clown and Jean Kirstein, characters whose English voices became closely associated with their childhood and anime-viewing experiences.

His death has also been felt by colleagues who worked alongside him behind the microphone and in the recording booth.

Remembering Mike McFarland

McFarland’s career lasted for decades and covered some of the most influential anime franchises to receive English-language adaptations.

He was more than simply the voice behind recognizable characters. Through his work as a director and production professional, he helped shape the performances of other actors and contributed to the quality and direction of numerous English dubs.

For fans, his legacy will remain particularly connected to the distinctive voices he gave to Master Roshi, Yajirobe, Buggy, Jean Kirstein and many other memorable characters.

For his colleagues, his influence extends to the performers he mentored and the productions he helped bring to English-speaking audiences.

Details Table

A Lasting Legacy in Anime

Mike McFarland leaves behind a body of work that spans some of the most recognizable anime franchises of the modern era.

His performances entertained generations of viewers, while his work behind the scenes helped shape the English-language anime industry itself.

From Master Roshi’s humor and wisdom to Buggy’s chaotic personality and Jean Kirstein’s determination, McFarland brought a distinctive energy to every role.

His death represents a significant loss for the anime and voice-acting community. The many tributes emerging from fellow performers and fans reflect the lasting impression he made both professionally and personally.

Mike McFarland was 56.

Disclaimer

This obituary is based on current public reports and tributes circulating following Mike McFarland’s death on September 10, 2026. His previous glioblastoma diagnosis is documented, but a formal statement confirming the exact cause of death and funeral or memorial arrangements has not been publicly released. Details may be updated as additional information becomes available.