Gilbert Auchinleck, better known as Doc Harris, the man whose story appears in the English version of Dragon Ball Z has gained iconic meme status over the decadesdied at the age of 76. News of his death was first reported by Broadcast dialoguewhich reported Harris died on Saturday, October 5, after “minor surgery” in September.
Harris worked in Canadian radio back in the ’60s, but today most people probably know him for his work in animated series in which he played Grogar My little ponyGolem in Monster Rancherand perhaps best known for his role as narrator in Dragon Ball Z. Even if you’ve never seen the iconic anime, you’ve probably heard Harris’ work in the series, because the phrase “Find out in the next episode of.” Dragon Ball Z” or some variation thereof has become a running joke on the internet.
Harris was the series’ voice actor in over 223 episodes between 1996 and 2003, but that role eventually went to Kyle Hebert, who voices Gohan in the anime. Hebert’s approach to narrator is nearly identical to Harris’ booming, throaty delivery, so even though he’s been out of the franchise for 20 years, his influence is still felt in newer dubs of the series. Unfortunately, Jōji Yanami, who was the narrator of the Japanese version of the series until his retirement in 2015, passed away in 2021.
Harris isn’t the only loss Dragon Ball The franchise had to wait until 2024, as series creator Akira Toriyama noted died in March. This was one of his last posthumous works Sandland Role play which came out in April, and the upcoming anime Dragon Ball Daima. With the Dragon Ball Although the franchise remains a mainstay of culture to this day, it’s easy to forget that it’s nearing its 40th year until we get news like this. Time moves on.
