It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Doc Harris, the iconic English narrator of Dragon Ball Z, at the age of 76. Doc Harris was a well-known Canadian broadcaster and voice actor, whose work as the narrator in Dragon Ball Z has left a lasting impact on fans around the world. His deep, captivating voice became an integral part of the anime’s first English dub and a cultural phenomenon that spanned decades.
A Career in Voice Acting: Doc Harris’ Contributions to Animation
Doc Harris passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024, after complications from a minor surgery in September, as reported by Broadcast Dialogue. While Harris had a prominent career in Canadian radio, his role as the narrator in Dragon Ball Z cemented his place in the hearts of anime enthusiasts. The phrase “Find out on the next episode of Dragon Ball Z” became an iconic line, often used in memes and internet culture. Over the course of 223 episodes from 1996 to 2003, Harris’ powerful, booming voice shaped the experience of the Dragon Ball Z audience, bringing suspense and excitement to each episode.
Aside from his work on Dragon Ball Z, Doc Harris also lent his voice to a variety of beloved animated series. His credits include Barbie and the Rockers: Out of This World, Camp Candy, and My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, where he portrayed Grogar. He also voiced Golem in Monster Rancher, further showcasing his versatility in voice acting.
Tribute from a Friend and Colleague
Ian James Corlett, the voice of Goku in Ocean’s dub of Dragon Ball Z, shared a heartfelt tribute to Doc Harris on Instagram. Corlett recalled Harris as “living and breathing music” and credited him as a major influence in his own career. In a touching post, Corlett expressed regret for not reconnecting with his friend earlier, saying, “Sorry Doc. I owe you one. Actually, I owe you a hundred lunches. RIP DOC 💔🤘🏽.” He also praised Harris’ generosity in helping young voice actors, referring to him as “gracious of spirit.”
The Legacy of Doc Harris in Dragon Ball Z
Doc Harris’ DBZ narrator role has reached legendary status, with fans still fondly remembering his distinctive style. His narration became a staple for millions of Dragon Ball Z fans, and his voice helped define the early English-speaking DBZ community. Even after leaving the role, his influence persisted as Kyle Hebert took over the narration, adopting a style closely mirroring Harris’ to maintain continuity.
While Harris’ time on the show ended in 2003, his contributions remain an indelible part of Dragon Ball Z’s history. Tragically, this year has been tough for the Dragon Ball franchise as a whole, with the death of series creator Akira Toriyama in March 2024. Both Harris and Toriyama’s passing mark a somber chapter for the franchise, which continues to thrive with upcoming releases like Dragon Ball Daima.
The Cultural Impact of Dragon Ball Z
As Dragon Ball Z approaches its 40th anniversary, it remains one of the most influential anime series ever created. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling, art, and, of course, iconic voice performances like those of Doc Harris. His narration helped set the tone for many fans’ childhoods, making him an unforgettable part of the Dragon Ball Z experience. The franchise’s global success and enduring popularity are built on the voices and creativity of individuals like Harris, whose work transcended the screen and left a lasting legacy.
Doc Harris’ Other Work: Movies and TV Shows
Beyond Dragon Ball Z, Doc Harris’ movies and TV shows credits extended into other popular media, including Barbie and the Rockers and Camp Candy. His work in these projects reflected his versatile talents as a voice actor, able to convey emotion, intensity, and humor through his voice. While his DBZ narrator role brought him fame, his contribution to voice acting, in general, was substantial, and his work across multiple genres resonated with diverse audiences.
The loss of Doc Harris marks the end of an era for Dragon Ball Z fans and the anime community as a whole. His iconic voice, particularly as the DBZ narrator, will forever be remembered as a defining part of many fans’ experience with the series. Doc Harris was not just a voice actor; he was a storyteller whose contributions helped shape the legacy of one of the most beloved anime series of all time.
