Voice actor Kirby Morrow, known for his roles in “X-Mex Evolution” and “Dragon Ball Z,” has died at age 47.
The Canadian died on Wednesday, although his cause of death has not been announced.
Announcing the death on Facebook, his brother Casey wrote: “Kirby was a blessed and talented individual who brought joy to so many but also thrived off all your love and friendship.
“He lived for it and it fueled him every day.”
Morrow, a native of Alberta, studied theater at Mount Royal University in Calgary before launching his career.
He was known as the voices of Cyclops in the “X-Man Evolution” films and Goku in the Ocean Group dubs of “Dragon Ball Z.”
He also voiced Teru Mikami in manga series “Death Note” and Cole in “Lego Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu.”
Only this month it was announced that he would be reprising his role as Miroku in the popular “Inuyasha” manga series.
In addition to his work as a voice actor, he was known for his on-screen portrayal of Captain Dave Kleinman in “Stargate Atlantis.”
‘Amazing talent’
The death has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media from friends and co-stars.
Kelly Sheridan, who featured as Sango in “Inuyasha,” wrote on Twitter: “Shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of dear @Kirby_Morrow.
“It seems at every important stage in my career, he was there at the mic right next to mine. My good luck charm.
“He’ll be so very missed by myself & our entire community.”
Producer and “Ninjago” co-creator Tommy Andreasen wrote: “I am unbelievably saddened to have just received the news that my friend Kirby Morrow has passed away.
“When he first auditioned for the role of Cole on Ninjago, he was our first and only pick to portray the rock of the Ninjago Team.”
Voice actor Kellen Goff said he would remember Morrow as the voice of Hot Shot in the “Transformers: Cybertron series,” his “childhood hero.”
“It was an honor to share the stage with you,” he said.
“You gave voice to our childhoods and we’ll never, ever forget you.”
VIZ Media, a US publisher of anime and manga, said on Twitter: “We’re incredibly sad to hear the news of voice actor Kirby Morrow’s passing.
“He was an amazing talent and we were honored to have worked with him on Inuyasha and Yashahime.”