On Saturday, March 2, 2024, Mark Dodson, a distinguished voice actor recognized for his significant work in films like “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” and “Gremlins,” passed away in a hotel room in Evansville, Indiana. He was 64 years old.
Officials from Horror Con in Evansville, Indiana, an event Dodson was set to attend, confirmed his death on Facebook: “It is with profound sadness that we must inform you of the unexpected passing of Mark Dodson last evening. A gifted voice actor, Mark was also deeply admired within the horror community,” the convention organizers declared. “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers during this difficult time.”
In the post, they further requested, “Please take a moment today to remember the happiness and smiles that Mark gifted to the world. His enduring impact will be felt through his work. May you rest in peace, Mark. Those who had the honor of knowing you and witnessing your remarkable talent will forever hold you in our memories.”
Stellar Appearances, Dodson’s talent agency, confirmed his death through a statement on social media, which was also confirmed by his representative.
Dodson’s daughter revealed that he suffered a massive heart attack while attending the Evansville Horror Con event.
Dodson’s voice acting career started with his role as Salacious Crumb in “Return of the Jedi” in 1983. His distinctive and adaptable voice was heard in different characters, including the memorable Mogwai and various Gremlins in the 1984 blockbuster “Gremlins” and its sequel, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch,” in 1990.
Besides films, Dodson’s voice was also heard in video games, commercials, and advertisements, demonstrating his extensive talent. One of his recent contributions was voicing the character Adam Hamada in the 2023 video game “Ghostrunner II.”
Dodson was a beloved figure at fan conventions globally, recognized for his direct engagement with fans and for his induction into various local chapters of the Star Wars 501st Legions, a fan-based organization dedicated to the creation and wearing of screen-accurate costumes from the “Star Wars” universe. His enthusiasm for interacting with fans at these events underscored his commitment to his roles and the communities that appreciated them.
Apart from his work, Dodson’s filmography includes distinguished titles such as “Day of the Dead” (1985), “Deadwood Park” (2007), “Kaptara” (2007), and “Headcheese: The Movie” (2020). His work in the gaming industry, providing voice roles in “Star Trek Online,” “Grim Dawn,” “Lucius III,” and the “Ghostrunner” series, further demonstrated his versatility as a voice actor.
Dodson is survived by his daughter and grandchildren and is remembered for his professional accomplishments and the personal warmth he brought. The entertainment industry grieves the loss of a skilled individual whose contributions have significantly shaped film and gaming.