Inspector Gadget star dead as tributes paid to actor who brought comfort to 'generation of kids'

ok.co.uk:

Dan Hennessey, who is most well-known for his long career as a voice actor of many beloved cartoon characters, has passed away at age 82.

Dan died at his home in his sleep from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease, TMZ reports. The star was a hugely successful voice actor bringing life to iconic characters such as Braveheart Lion in The Care Bears, Chief Quimby in Inspector Gadget, and Father Bear in Little Bear.

His family announced his passing with a heartfelt statement where they expressed how happy they were about the outpouring of love as fans revealed the impact Dan had on their loves.The family said: "We are so touched by all those letting us know how he impacted them through his craft, from stage to voice acting and direction.” They continued: "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. “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 added. "He truly was the bravest heart we knew." Over a career spanning decades, Dan also voiced an impressive range of lesser-known characters, including Chef Truffles in Babar, Roy ‘Bully’ Koopa in The Adventures of Super Mario Bros., and Ruckus in X-Men.

He was also a key presence in numerous animated classics in which he voiced multiple roles, such as RoboCop, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, ALF: The Animated Series, Beetlejuice, The Raccoons, and Rescue Heroes.