Tom Kane, Voice of Yoda, Dies at 64

actor Tom Kane has died at the age of 64.

actor - who was best known as the man behind Yoda in Star Wars: The Clone Wars from 2008 to 2020 - passed away on Monday, his talent agency have confirmed.

Galactic Productions posted on : 'Today we say goodbye to Tom Kane - a legendary voice actor whose work shaped the childhoods and imaginations of millions around the world.

'From his unforgettable performances in Star Wars to countless animated series, documentaries and games, Tom brought wisdom, strength, humour and heart to every role he touched. 

'His voice became part of our lives, our memories, and the stories we carry with us. Though his voice may now be silent, the characters, stories, and love he gave to the world will live on forever. 

'Rest in peace, Tom Kane. Thank you for everything. May the Force be with you, always.'

Tom is survived by his wife Cindy and their nine children.

The statement concluded: '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. 

'That compassion and generosity defined who he was just as much as his remarkable talent did.'

As well as voicing Yoda and other characters in the animated series, multiple video games and theme park attractions, Tom also voiced Admiral Ackbar in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, as well as Professor Utonium in The Powerpuff Girls from 2016 to 2019.

Tom began doing voiceover work in his native Kansas City at the age of just 15.

Over the years, he was involved in various video games including the Call of Duty series, Harry Potter: Magic Awakened, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, and Marvel Future Revolution.

In 2020, he was forced to retire after suffering a stroke that left him largely unable to speak.

His daughter Sam explained on Facebook at the time: 'About two months ago he had a left side stroke that gave him right sided weakness and damage to the speech center of his brain. 

'This means right now he cannot efficiently communicate verbally, nor read or spell. He is still competent and very much himself, but can only get out a few words right now.

'As many of you might know about strokes, it is possible for him to gain these functions back and we have found him excellent care in Kansas City for speech, occupational, and physical therapy, but for now, we have been warned by his Neurologist that he may not do Voiceovers again.

'My dad still remains in good spirits and his extreme stubbornness has helped him already show improvements in speech. 

'He is fully on board with me sharing this and he will see anything you guys post.'