Mike McFarland Obituary
West Virginia – Mike McFarland, born Michael Charles McFarland, the longtime voice actor, ADR director, script adapter and producer whose work helped shape English-language anime dubbing for nearly three decades, has died at the age of 56.
McFarland was widely known within the anime industry for a career that extended far beyond the recording booth. As one of the early generation of performers associated with Funimation, he contributed his voice and creative expertise to some of the most influential Japanese anime series to reach English-speaking audiences.
Friends, colleagues and members of the anime community confirmed his passing around September 9 and 10, 2026, following a long battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Tributes shared by fellow voice actors and industry colleagues remembered McFarland for his talent, humor, generosity and the depth of his contribution to anime production.
According to accounts shared about his illness, McFarland began experiencing serious health problems in early 2025. What was initially believed to be an ear infection led to further medical investigation and emergency surgery after doctors discovered a brain tumor. He was later diagnosed with glioblastoma in August 2025.
Born on July 14, 1970, in Texas, McFarland developed an early interest in performance and theatre. Published biographical accounts have listed his birthplace as either Texas City or Temple, Texas. He studied theatre at the University of Texas at Arlington and built experience in theatre and production before becoming a significant figure in anime dubbing.
McFarland began working with Funimation during the company’s early years, around 1997. Over time, his versatility allowed him to move between acting, directing, script adaptation and production, giving him an uncommon influence on how major anime titles were presented to English-speaking audiences.
Among his best-known voice performances was Master Roshi in the Funimation versions of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z, along with characters including Yajirobe. He also voiced Buggy the Clown in One Piece, Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan and Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
His credits also included Carnage Kabuto in One-Punch Man and work connected to Tokyo Ghoul, My Hero Academia, Case Closed and numerous other productions.
Behind the scenes, McFarland served as an ADR director, script adapter and producer on major projects including Dragon Ball, Fullmetal Alchemist, Attack on Titan, One Piece, Case Closed, the Rebuild of Evangelion films and Summer Wars.
His work helped introduce generations of viewers to anime through English dubs that required careful direction, adaptation and performance. For colleagues, his influence was personal as well as professional.
Mike McFarland leaves behind a legacy embedded in the voices, scripts and productions that became part of modern anime culture. His contributions will continue to be heard and remembered by audiences around the world.