Mike McFarland, the beloved voice behind Master Roshi and Buggy the Clown in One Piece, died after a battle with brain cancer. The veteran anime performer built a career across several major English dubs and became a familiar name to generations of fans.
McFarland died Wednesday at a Dallas care facility, surrounded by friends and family. He had spent the past year battling glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer that reshaped his final months.
Mike McFarland, who voiced Master Roshi in Dragon Ball Z and Buggy the Clown in One Piece, died after battling brain cancer
TMZ reported McFarland’s death at 56, citing his friend Brina Palencia. Palencia had organized a GoFundMe during his health struggles. She said friends from the voiceover community gathered recently to sing songs and share stories with him.
McFarland entered the industry in the late 1990s. He voiced several Dragon Ball Z characters, including Master Roshi. He later joined Fullmetal Alchemist as Jean Havoc.
His biggest roles kept coming. McFarland became the voice of Buggy the Clown in One Piece and voiced the character from 2007 until his death. He also worked on One-Punch Man, Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul and numerous other anime projects.
His health battle became public in January 2025. McFarland withdrew from Central Florida Comic Con because of an illness. Fellow actor Colleen Clinkenbeard later revealed that doctors had discovered a brain tumor.
McFarland underwent surgery days later. By August 2025, friends and family confirmed his diagnosis as glioblastoma. His GoFundMe initially helped cover an at-home caretaker before supporting his care at a nursing facility.
Tributes quickly spread throughout the anime voice-acting community.
Tiffany Vollmer wrote on Facebook, “I am beyond crushed,” while Megan Shipman called McFarland “smart, funny, caring, and deeply passionate.” On X, Veronica Taylor remembered him as “a great talent and a lovely person.” Sarah Natochenny praised his kindness and support, adding that he “loved his work and his people dearly.”
McFarland leaves behind a remarkable anime legacy. His performances will continue to introduce his characters to generations of fans.
