Tom Kane
His voice commanded starships and animated childhoods, becoming one of the most recognizable and versatile sound artists in modern pop culture.
Born 1962 (age 64)·Retired American voice actor·Birthday: April 15·Baby Boomers
Biography
For decades, Tom Kane's voice was everywhere you listened, a rich, authoritative baritone that brought gravity and character to countless worlds. While perhaps best known as the narrator and Admiral Yularen in the 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' series, his vocal range was staggering. He could be the wise, ancient tree-like being Professor Utonium in 'The Powerpuff Girls,' then shift seamlessly to the manic energy of Yogi Bear. His work extended deep into video games, voicing iconic characters like Magneto and Professor X. Kane's talent lay in his ability to imbue even the most outlandish cartoon creations with a surprising depth and sincerity, making them feel real. A sudden stroke in 2020 sadly forced his retirement from voice acting, ending a prolific career that had, quite literally, given voice to the imagination of a generation.
Baby Boomers
1946–1964
The largest generation in history at the time. Shaped by postwar prosperity, the Vietnam War, the sexual revolution, and Watergate. They questioned every institution their parents built — then ran them.
Tom was born in 1962, placing them squarely in the Baby Boomers. The events that shaped this generation — postwar prosperity, civil rights, Vietnam, and the counterculture — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Tom Was Born
The biggest hits of 1962
#1 Movie
Lawrence of Arabia
Best Picture
Lawrence of Arabia
#1 TV Show
Beverly Hillbillies
Tom's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1962Born
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1967Started school
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1975Became a teenager
Fall of Saigon ends the Vietnam War
Gas: $0.57/galHome: $27,600Min wage: $2.10/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Love Will Keep Us Together" — Captain & TennilleBest Picture: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
1978Could drive
First test-tube baby born
Gas: $0.63/galHome: $35,300Min wage: $2.65/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Shadow Dancing" — Andy GibbBest Picture: The Deer Hunter
1980Could vote
John Lennon shot and killed in New York
Gas: $1.19/galHome: $47,200Min wage: $3.10/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Call Me" — BlondieBest Picture: Ordinary People
1983Turned 21
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1992Turned 30
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2002Turned 40
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2012Turned 50
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 60
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 64 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Voiced Admiral Wullf Yularen and provided narration for the acclaimed 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' animated series and film.
- Served as the long-time voice of Professor Utonium in 'The Powerpuff Girls' franchise.
- Provided voices for numerous characters in the 'Star Wars' video game 'The Old Republic,' including the Jedi Master Gnost-Dural.
- Voiced Magneto in several 'Marvel vs. Capcom' video games and other Marvel animated projects.
- Played Yogi Bear in the animated series 'The New Yogi Bear Show' and related media in the 1990s.
Did You Know?
He was the announcer for the popular game show 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' during its early seasons.
Kane voiced the opening narration for the 'Medal of Honor' video game series.
He performed voice work for theme park attractions, including announcements for Disney's Star Tours.
Prior to voice acting, he worked extensively in radio as a disc jockey and news anchor.
“A voice is an instrument, and every role demands a different tune.”
