Sponsored By

Obituary: Star Fox and Team Fortress 2 voice actor Rick May has passed away

May is best known for voicing Peppy Hare in Star Fox 64, helping to spawn the character's popular 'Do a barrel roll!' catchphrase, and Solider in Team Fortress 2.

Chris Kerr, News Editor

April 14, 2020

1 Min Read
Game Developer logo in a gray background | Game Developer

Star Fox and Team Fortress 2 voice actor Rick May has passed away after contracting coronavirus. 

May is best known for voicing Peppy Hare in Star Fox 64, helping spawn the character's popular 'Do a barrel roll!' catchphrase, and Solider in Team Fortress 2. He also narrated and provided the voice of Genghis Khan in Age of Empires II.

Rekindle School, an independent Seattle-based art school where May had been teaching, shared news of his passing and paid tribute to his long and rewarding theatrical career. 

"Rick directed or appeared in over 300 shows, ranging from Shakespeare to musical comedy," reads an obituary on the Rekindle website. "The long time artistic director of Renton Civic Theatre and Civic Light Opera, Rick worked over many decades as a freelance actor and director.  He also toured in the award-winning one man play, Bully! An Adventure with Teddy Roosevelt."

Rekindle explained that May suffered a stroke in February, and despite pulling through caught COVID-19 when he was moved into a nursing home for rehabilitation. The school is encouraging those who'd like to send condolences to his family to do so through its website.

About the Author

Chris Kerr

News Editor, GameDeveloper.com

Game Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, and PocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.

Daily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inbox

You May Also Like