Respected voice actor Dan Hennessey died Nov. 13 at the age of 82.
Hennessey voiced some of the most recognizable cartoons over the course of his career, including Chief Quimby on “Inspector Gadget,” Father Bear on “Little Bear” and Braveheart Lion on “The Care Bears.” He was also the voice of George Racoon on “The Raccoons,” among several others. Hennessey’s family confirmed his death, and said he died at his residence in his sleep from complications tied to Parkinson’s disease, TMZ reported Tuesday.
RIP to long time voice actor Dan Hennessey, who you may recognize from several classic animated series, which he helped provide to
He will be dearly missed, and we will treasure his contributions forever! pic.twitter.com/Hul2N6Sg3m
— TRAFON(s Backup Account) (@RiseFallNickBck) November 20, 2024
Hennessey’s talented voice acting has entertained audiences of all ages over the years. He had roles in “RoboCop,” “Babar,” “Beetlejuice” and “X-Men: The Animated Series,” to name a few.
His loves ones are paying tribute to his many talents as well as his kind heart and regard him as “an incredible son, brother, husband, father, friend, and performer,” according to TMZ.
“We are so touched by all those letting us know how he impacted them through his craft, from stage to voice acting and direction,” his family said in a statement issued to the publication.
Saddened to hear about the passing of Dan Hennessey who voice directed the original @xmentas. Alot of people love the acting of #xmen and a big factor is often the director.@Adey800 talking about Dan in “The Making of X-men: 97” when he was Nightcrawler the 1st time #XMen97 pic.twitter.com/7EUl1wuxMl
— Abdullah Khan 😎 📺 (@AKHANtheGAMER) November 19, 2024
“We are warmed by the fact that he provided comfort to a generation of kids around the world by giving voice to beloved animated characters like Braveheart Lion and Fatherbear, who were the personification of his kind and exuberant personality,” his family added, accord to TMZ.
“That his contributions to voice acting and contagious spirit live on in perpetuity is a unique gift to those who greatly mourn his loss,” they said.
So I just out that the voice of Father Bear, Dan Hennessey, passed away. I feel like I’m losing a piece of my childhood each day. Rest in Peace Legend pic.twitter.com/2wZ2PSmiBB
— Dominic Jenkins (@theDomJenkins) November 19, 2024
Fans who grew up with Hennessey’s familiar voice through the many beloved cartoons he starred in have taken to social media to pay tribute to the talented voice actor.
“He truly was the bravest heart we knew,” his family concluded, according to TMZ. (RELATED: Jim Carrey’s Sister Dies)
Hennessey is survived by his spouse, Patricia, as well as his daughters, Skye and Eden. His family requested that donations be provided to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
This article was originally published at dailycaller.com
