As if we need any more depressing news this year, the voice community has been saddened by news that one of its best, Tom Kane, has…well, here's part of the message that his daughter Sam posted on Facebook…
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.
Tom is a great guy who's had the kind of bookings that other actors envy. You've heard him in countless commercials, he's announced the Academy Awards, he's heard on dozens of cartoon shows and as Variety notes, "During his career, Kane has lent his voice to Star Wars: The Clone Wars, delivering lines for numerous characters including Yoda, as well as the blockbuster film Star Wars: The Last Jedi, where he voiced Admiral Ackbar." Just take a look at the list of places you've heard him…and that list is far from complete.
And like I said: A great guy. You can get a certain amount of work in this business if you're sensational at the microphone and another if you're great to work with. You get both if you're as good at both as Tom Kane…as all hope he will be.