Tom Kane, best known for voicing Professor Utonium in the beloved animated series The Powerpuff Girls, has passed away at the age of 64. The veteran voice actor’s death was confirmed by TMZ through his representative.According to his representative, Zach McGinnis, Tom Kane died due to complications arising from the stroke he suffered in 2020. The actor had reportedly been hospitalised in Kansas City and passed away at the hospital.
Tom Kane’s health declined after his 2020 stroke
Tom Kane suffered a stroke in November 2020 that significantly impacted his health and changed his life permanently. Reports stated that the left side of his brain was affected, weakening much of the right side of his body and damaging the speech centre of his brain.As a result, the actor lost his ability to speak during the final years of his life. It was the complications stemming from the health scare that eventually led to his passing on May 18.Paying tribute to the late actor, his representative shared an emotional statement with TMZ.“Though his voice may now be silent, the characters, stories, and love he gave to the world will live on forever,” the statement read.The statement further added, “But beyond the incredible career was an extraordinary man. Tom was a devoted husband and father who, alongside his wife, built a loving family of nine children — three biological and six welcomed through adoption and fostering.”
Tom Kane’s iconic voice acting career
Apart from The Powerpuff Girls, Tom Kane was also widely loved for his contribution to the Star Wars: The Last Jedi universe. He voiced Admiral Ackbar in the film and also lent his voice to iconic characters like Jedi Master Yoda and Admiral Yularen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.Over the years, Kane became one of the most recognisable voices in animation and entertainment, earning admiration from fans across generations.Despite the major health setback after his stroke, the actor continued making occasional public appearances and remained deeply connected with his fans. One of his last notable appearances was during a The Powerpuff Girls reunion alongside voice actors Cathy Cavadini, Tara Strong, and E. G. Daily, who voiced Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup respectively.Tom Kane is survived by his wife Cindy Roberts and their nine children — three biological children and six through adoption and fostering.