One of the best things aboutDragon BallZ: Kakarot(apart from being able toplay as iconic characters like Super Vegito) is it allows fans to relive many of their favorite moments from the classic anime. What really ties it together is the inclusion of many of the original voices from the series, making the game all the more nostalgic.
Sadly, it seems fans will never again hear one of the classic voices from this franchise. The talent management group Mary Collins Agency has confirmed thatDragon Ballnarrator Brice Armstrong has passed away at the age of 84.
RELATED:Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot Retcons Big Piccolo Moment
According to a Facebook post made by Mary Collins Agency, Armstrong passed away on January 10th from natural causes. Armstrong is best known for his work as the narrator for the originalDragon Ballseries, as well as providing the voices for Captain Ginyu and Lord Slug onDragon Ball Z. He also voiced characters in other classic anime shows, includingYu Yu Hakusho,Lupin III, andCase Closed. Though he didn’t provide his voice for any characters inDragon Ball Z: Kakarot, he did voice some earlierDragon Ballvideo games before his retirement in 2009, includingInfinite World,Raging Blast, andRevenge of King Piccolo.
Armstrong started his career working in radio in 1964. He then started doing voice overs in the late 70s and early 80s, leading to his most iconic role as the narrator forDragon Ballstarting in 1986. Christopher Sabat, a fellow voice actor who worked with and directed Armstrong often, called him “the kindest, funniest person I’ve ever known.” Even iconicStar Warsactor James Earl Jones (voice of Darth Vader) was once reported to have told Armstrong, “I wish I had your vocal control.”
Since 1986, Armstrong had been a part of theDragon Ballfranchise at nearly every point in his career. He even continued to narrate and voice characters for the video games until his retirement in 2009. Apart from his long running involvement in theDragon Ballfranchise, Armstrong had voice roles in many other anime series, includingBaki the Grappler,Fullmetal Alchemist, andFruits Basket. Possibly his strangest role, though, was as the voice of Miss Etta Kette for several seasons ofBarney & Friends.
ManyDragon Ballfans have been paying tribute on social media, with one fan commenting that they grew up playing the oldDragon Ball Z: Budokaigames in which Armstrong voiced Captain Ginyu, which are also considered some of thebestDragon Ballfighting gamesof all time. Numerous fans have also offered their condolences to Armstrong’s friends, family, and fellow voice actors.
Plans for Brice Armstrong’s memorial are pending. A memorial page raising funds for charities Armstrong cared about has been set up by his friends, which can be foundhere.
