Mark Dodson, famed voice actor in prominent films such as “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” and “Gremlins,” passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was found in a hotel room in Evansville, Indiana, and was 64 years old at the time of his death.
The organizers of Horror Con in Evansville, Indiana, where Dodson was slated to make an appearance, confirmed his passing in a Facebook post: “We regret to inform you of the sudden passing of Mark Dodson. Mark was not only a talented voice actor but was also highly respected in the horror community,” the convention organizers stated. “Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.”
The post further requested their followers to honor Dodson’s memory and his contributions to the industry: “Let’s remember the joy and laughter that Mark brought to the world through his work. His impact will continue to be felt through his contributions. Rest in peace, Mark. Those fortunate enough to know you and witness your exceptional talent will always keep you in our memories.”
Dodson’s demise was officially confirmed by his representative and announced on social media by his talent agency, Stellar Appearances.
His daughter revealed that Dodson experienced a severe heart attack while at the Evansville Horror Con event.
Dodson initiated his voice acting career with his role as Salacious Crumb in “Return of the Jedi” in 1983. His unique and adaptable voice played a part in various characters, including the notable Mogwai and various Gremlins in the successful 1984 film “Gremlins” and its 1990 sequel, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch”.
Apart from movies, Dodson’s voice was also heard in video games, commercials, and ads, demonstrating his wide-ranging talent. His recent work included the character Adam Hamada in the 2023 video game “Ghostrunner II”.
Dodson was a beloved figure at fan conventions worldwide throughout his career, recognized for his direct interaction with fans and for being inducted 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.
Besides his notable roles, Dodson’s filmography includes “Day of the Dead” (1985), “Deadwood Park” (2007), “Kaptara” (2007), and “Headcheese: The Movie” (2020). His work in the gaming industry, with voice roles in “Star Trek Online,” “Grim Dawn,” “Lucius III,” and the “Ghostrunner” series, further solidified his status as a versatile voice actor.
Dodson, survived by his daughter and grandchildren, is remembered for his professional accomplishments and the personal warmth he shared. His death is a loss to the entertainment industry, which he significantly influenced through his work in film and gaming.
