Esteemed voice actor Mark Dodson, recognized for his integral roles in iconic films such as “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” and “Gremlins,” passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, in a hotel room in Evansville, Indiana, at 64 years of age.
The officials of the Horror Con in Evansville, Indiana, confirmed Dodson’s passing in a Facebook post late on Saturday. Dodson was expected to attend the convention that weekend. The organizers expressed their condolences and admiration for Dodson’s contributions to the horror community.
The organizers further recognized Dodson’s legacy in their post, emphasizing the joy he brought to audiences through his work. They paid homage to his remarkable talent and the enduring impact of his performances.
Dodson’s representative confirmed his death, which was subsequently announced by his talent agency, Stellar Appearances, in a social media statement.
Dodson’s daughter revealed that he experienced a severe heart attack while participating in the Evansville Horror Con event.
Dodson’s journey in voice acting began with his role as Salacious Crumb in 1983’s “Return of the Jedi.” His unique and adaptable voice brought life to various characters, including the unforgettable Mogwai and various Gremlins in “Gremlins” (1984) and its sequel, “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” (1990).
Dodson’s voice acting extended beyond films; his diverse talent was exhibited in video games, commercials, and advertisements. One of his recent roles was Adam Hamada in the 2023 video game “Ghostrunner II.”
Dodson was a beloved figure at fan conventions globally, recognized for his interactions with fans and his induction into various local chapters of the Star Wars 501st Legions, a fan organization committed to creating and wearing costumes from the “Star Wars” franchise. His enthusiasm at these events underscored his dedication to his roles and the communities that valued them.
Other notable titles in Dodson’s filmography include “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 demonstrated his versatility as a voice actor.
Remembered by his daughter and grandchildren, Dodson leaves behind a legacy of both professional successes and personal warmth. The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a versatile talent whose work has left a lasting imprint on film and gaming.
