Mark Dodson, “Star Wars” and “Gremlins” voiceover artist, dies at 64

The actor voiced the cackling Salacious Crumb in 'Return of the Jedi.'

Mark Dodson, who voiced the cackling Salacious Crumb in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and the Mogwai in Gremlins, has died. He was 64.

Dodson died on Saturday, his agent confirmed to EW, hours before he was slated to appear at a fan event in Indianapolis.

“Mark truly loved his fans and enjoyed meeting them at conventions around the world,” the statement read, adding that Dodson was “honored to be inducted into dozens of the local chapters of the Star Wars 501st Legions over the past several decades. Mark leaves behind a wonderful family, close friends, and adoring fans around the world.”

Dodson’s daughter, Ciara, told TMZ that he suffered a “massive heart attack” in his sleep. Dodson, who frequently attended fan conventions, was set to appear at this weekend’s Evansville Horror Con.

“We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Mark Dodson last night,” read a statement shared on the event’s official Facebook page. “Mark was not only a talented voice actor but also a cherished member of the horror community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans during this incredibly difficult time. We hope that you can take a moment out of your day to reflect on the joy and laughter that Mark brought into the world. His legacy will live on through his work.”

Dodson spent over four decades as a radio personality, voice actor and producer who lent his voice to movies, video games, and several commercials. The actor got his start as Return of the Jedi’s Salacious Crumb, a shrill monkey-lizard who served Jabba the Hut.

Landing the role was a happy accident, Dodson once explained in a 2020 interview, as he was initially auditioning for the part of Admiral Ackbar. He nervously fumbled during his audition, leading him to use a silly voice that caught the casting director’s attention. He was asked to voice Salacious Crumb instead, which he had no regrets about.

“Let’s say I did get Ackbar — I never would’ve gotten the Gremlins. The Gremlins came because the Gremlins were made by the same guys who made Salacious. That’s why it came up, ‘They look a lot the same, wouldn’t it be great for the Gremlins to have that same voice! Who is that guy.’”

Dodson, who voiced the Mowgai in Joe Dante's 1984 classic, said, “It ended up being the greatest mistake ever.”

Dodson additionally voiced several zombies in 1985’s Day of the Dead, Niima Scavenger in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, and reprised his Gremlin role in Gremlins 2: The New Batch. He also voiced characters in  video games including Ghostrunner, Bendy and the Dark Revival, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and Star Trek Online.

Dodson is survived by his daughter Ciara and his grandchildren.

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