Legendary ‘Star Wars’ Voice Actor Tom Kane Has Retired from Voice Work
MickeyBlog are saddened to report that Tom Kane has retired from his work as a legendary voice artist.
At the end of 2020, Kane’s family shared the news that he had suffered a stroke, which devastatingly left him with difficulties in communication.
Although there was hope for his recovery and return to voice work, it has now been reported that he will be officially retiring from his post.
Kane was perhaps best known for voicing Yoda in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, as well as narrating the show, and Admiral Ackbar in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Disney fans will know him for being the announcer on the Walt Disney World monorail system since 2012, and voicing Admiral Ackbar on Star Tours – The Adventure Continues.
Kane also leant his talents to shows such as The Wild Thornberrys and The Powerpuff Girls, as well as countless movies, video games and commercials.
According to Kane’s son Sam, in a post shared by Wookieepedia, Kane’s speech center damage was so severe that it impacted his reading and verbal skills. This form of apraxia has meant the skills required for voice acting are now too difficult for him to continue.
We have some sad news today. It's been announced that Tom Kane is retiring from voice work. His performances over the years are legendary, and brought joy to so many of us. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. May the Force be with you all❤️#StarWars #tomkane pic.twitter.com/5kLbFOOFDa
— Wookieepedia (@WookOfficial) September 11, 2021
Although Sam does light-heartedly joke ‘thank god [Kane] is an actor and great at charades”, the family are understandably devastated by the split-second incident which robbed the world of one of the most talented voice actors.
You can read the post in full below (includes curse language).
Both Sam and Wookieepedia are encouraging fans to send Kane letters to his PO Box.
Our thoughts go out to all of Tom Kane’s family, friends and fans. To echo Wookieepedia in their tribute, May the Force be with you all.