Voiceover actor Mark Dodson, known for roles in 'Star Wars' and 'Gremlins,' dies at 64
Voiceover actor Mark Dodson, best known for his roles in the ‘80s films “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” and “Gremlins,” has died. He was 64.
Dodson died on Saturday, talent agency Stellar Appearances first shared in an Instagram post Sunday. Dodson’s representative Peter DeLorme later confirmed his death in an email to USA TODAY.
"Mark worked on dozens of movies, video games, commercials and advertisements, adding his unique voice and sound to each character and script he touched," Stellar Appearances’ post read. "Mark leaves behind a wonderful family, close friends, and adoring fans around the world. The family asks for privacy during this difficult time."
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A cause of death was not given.
Dodson’s daughter said the actor reportedly died of a "massive heart attack" during his stay in Evansville, Indiana, for the event Evansville Horror Con, according to TMZ.
Dodson made his “Star Wars” debut in 1983, playing the character Salacious Crumb in “Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi.” He reprised the role in 2022 in the video game “Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga.”
"Mark truly loved his fans and enjoyed meeting them at conventions around the world," Stellar Appearances’ post continued. "Mark was honored to be inducted into dozens of the local chapters of the Star Wars 501st Legions over the past several decades."
Following “Return of the Jedi,” Dodson joined the cast of Joe Dante’s 1984 horror comedy “Gremlins,” in which he voiced Mogwai. He returned for the film’s 1990 sequel "Gremlins 2: The New Batch," portraying various Gremlins.
Dodson returned to the “Star Wars” film franchise in 2015 when he scored the role of Niima Scavenger in “Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens,” which starred Daisy Ridley, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac.
Beyond film and television, Dodson also lent his voiceover talent to several video games, including 2010’s “Star Trek Online,” 2016’s “Grim Dawn,” 2018’s “Lucius III,” 2020’s “Ghostrunner” and 2023’s “Ghostrunner II.”