One of the best things about Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot (apart from being able to play 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 that Dragon Ball narrator Brice Armstrong has passed away at the age of 84.
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 original Dragon Ball series, as well as providing the voices for Captain Ginyu and Lord Slug on Dragon Ball Z. He also voiced characters in other classic anime shows, including Yu Yu Hakusho, Lupin III, and Case Closed. Though he didn't provide his voice for any characters in Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot, he did voice some earlier Dragon Ball video games before his retirement in 2009, including Infinite World, Raging Blast, and Revenge 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 for Dragon Ball starting 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 iconic Star Wars actor 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 the Dragon Ball franchise 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 the Dragon Ball franchise, Armstrong had voice roles in many other anime series, including Baki the Grappler, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Fruits Basket. Possibly his strangest role, though, was as the voice of Miss Etta Kette for several seasons of Barney & Friends.
Many Dragon Ball fans have been paying tribute on social media, with one fan commenting that they grew up playing the old Dragon Ball Z: Budokai games in which Armstrong voiced Captain Ginyu, which are also considered some of the best Dragon Ball fighting games of 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 found here.
Source: Facebook