A Look At Mike McFarland’s Most Memorable Roles
(From left to right) Master Roshi riding his turtle, Mike McFarland’s headshot, and Ritsu Sohma. Image Source: CultureSlate
Mike McFarland was one of the most well-known names in the anime community. Not only did he voice some of the most recognizable characters, but he also worked as ADR director and script writer on titles such as One Piece, One Punch Man, Re: Zero, and Mob Psycho 100.
He brought love, warmth, and humor to every role he voiced ensuring fans would not soon forget them. With more than 300 acting credits to his name, it is impossible to list each one. In honor of his passing let's take a look at five of his most memorable roles.
RELATED:
5: Jean Kirstein (Attack on Titan)
Jean Kirstein wielding his steel blades.
Image Source: IMDb
Jean Kirstein is one of Mike McFarland’s most relatable characters. He begins the show as a selfish kid who wants to join the military police to guarantee a safe and comfortable life, and ends up being one of the most compassionate leaders on the show. While the character’s evolution is stunningly written, his complexities truly shine through Mike McFarland’s voice.
In the earlier seasons of the show you can hear his immaturity and fears, but as he grows and experiences the true horrors of the world you can hear his voice becoming grittier and words carrying more weight. This is one of Mike McFarland’s most expertly voiced characters thanks to the range that he has as a voice actor.
Attack on Titan is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Disney+.
4: Hiroshi Odokawa (Odd Taxi)
(From left to right) Hiroshi Odokawa driving his taxi with Dobu in the backseat.
Image Source: IMDb
Hiroshi Odokawa was Mike McFarland’s first leading role in an anime, and it forced him to dig deep into his bag to ensure that he kept the character’s voice monotone while also conveying complex emotions. Odokawa is a taxi driver in Tokyo who has a mental health condition that forces him to see everyone as animals rather than people.
This character was also different for McFarland in that he was not loud and larger than life. He was an unassuming character that was thrust into a mystery that he wanted nothing to do with.
Odd Taxi is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
3: Ritsu Sohma (Fruits Basket)
Ritsu Sohma dramatically screaming and grabbing his head.
Image Source: IMDb
Ritsu Sohma was one of Mike McFarland’s most surprising roles. Ritsu is a member of the Sohma family and is possessed by the spirit of the monkey zodiac. He is an incredibly soft, emotional, and self-conscious character which led him to dress like a woman and have long hair.
Throughout the series he slowly gains confidence in himself which is reflected through changes to his outward appearance. Fans have praised McFarland for portraying the character with love and respect rather that is not often seen in female-presenting anime characters of the 2000s. Similarly to his portrayal of Jean in Attack on Titan, McFarland conveyed growth and maturation while also filling the characters with so much emotion and perfect comedic timing.
Fruits Basket is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
2: Buggy the Clown (One Piece)
Buggy the Clown without his torso.
Image Source: IMDb
Buggy the Clown is one of the most well-loved characters in One Piece, and a huge part of this is because of Mike McFarland’s voice. Buggy is a loud character who is prone to having emotional breakdowns when things don’t go his way. This style of character isn’t typically a fan favorite, but McFarland’s perfect comedic timing turned this character into one of the funniest characters in the entire show.
Every line brings a laugh, and it is impossible to know whose side he is actually on because McFarland made every word he said sound like a lie.
One Piece is available to stream on Crunchyroll, Disney+, and Netflix.
1: Master Roshi (Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z)
(From left to right) Goku, Krillin, and Master Roshi training.
Image Source: IMDb
There is no character in Mike McFarland’s career that is as recognizable or well-loved as Master Roshi. In the hands of someone else Master Roshi would have simply been another dirty old man, but McFarland breathed life into this character and turned him into something so much more.
While he does have his fair share of “dirty old man” moments, he has more moments that show the complexities of the character. He is a loving and caring mentor, aging martial arts master, and friend who cares deeply for those around him and his planet. McFarland brought this character to life in a way that could not be replicated and will never be forgotten.
Dragon Ball is available to stream on Crunchyroll and Disney+ and Dragon Ball Z is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
CultureSlate: Made by humans, for humans.
Please consider supporting our AI-free content via our Patreon page.
READ NEXT:
Source(s): IMDb
Latest News
Featured
• All sizes are adult unisex
• Printed art on the front
• 100% cotton
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Culture Slate Exclusive Design
See more products here