‘Star Wars’ and ‘Gremlins’ voice actor Mark Dodson dead at 64: ‘May the force be with you my friend’
Mark Dodson, who gave life to otherworldly creatures in the “Star Wars” franchise, has reportedly died after suffering a massive heart attack on Saturday. He was 64.
In a statement released by Dodson’s daughter, Ciara, to TMZ, the “Gremlins” voice actor suffered a “massive heart attack” while he was asleep at a hotel in Evansville, Indiana where he was scheduled to appear at HorrorCon.
Ciara later told the outlet her father “never ceased making me proud.”
The Evansville Horror Con, where Dodson was slated to appear, also
to the voice actor.
“We are heartbroken to announce the sudden passing of Mark Dodson last night.” the post read. “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,” the post continued. “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.”
“Rest in peace, Mark. You will be remembered and missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you and experiencing your talent,” the post concluded.
Stellar Appearances, Dodson’s talent agency, also shared a statement.
“Mark’s career spanned more than four decades as a radio man, voice actor, producer and fan favorite of convention attendees across the world,” the statement on Facebook read. “Mark was best known for being the voice of some of movies most iconic characters in some of Hollywood’s most popular movies.”
“Mark worked on dozens of movies, video games, commercials and advertisements adding his unique voice and sound to each character and script he touched.”
The statement went on to praise the late actor’s love for his fans.
“Mark truly loved his fans and enjoyed meeting them at conventions around the world,” added the statement. “Mark 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. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time,” the statement concludes.
“Mark was a dear friend of mine for several decades,” Peter DeLorme, Mark’s longtime friend and rep told The Post. “He was an iconic voice actor who loved his Star Wars family and incredible fans all over the world. More importantly, Mark was an amazing father, husband, brother, uncle, partner, and friend.”
“May the force be with you my friend, always,” he said.
Dodson began his movie career in 1983 when he was cast in “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” as Salacious Crumb, a cackling henchman to the vile Jabba the Hutt.
Shortly after that, Dobson lent his voice to the 1984 film “Gremlins” where he voiced both the cute and cuddly Mogwais and their evil, scaley counterparts, the Gremlins.
Dobson also voiced several zombies in 1985’s “Day of the Dead” and even returned to the “Star Wars” galaxy in 2015’s “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” where he played a scavenger on the desert planet of Jakku.
The prolific actor also gave his voice acting skills to various video games, such as “Ghostrunner II,” “Bendy and the Dark Revival,” “Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga” and “Ghostrunner.”
Dobson is survived by his daughter and several grandchildren.
