Voice actor Chris Ayres, best known as the English dub voice actor for Frieza in Dragon Ball Z, has passed away, aged 56.

Ayres was diagnosed with end-stage COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) in 2017, with non-profit corporation Anime Twin Cities launching a fundraising campaign for his medical expenses shortly after. He had received a lung transplant on October 31st, 2019. At the time, doctors and Ayres were confident with his progress.

Voice actress and girlfriend Krystal LaPorte tweeted on October 19th that Ayres had died the night before; surrounded by family. He was described as being full of kindness, compassion, and generosity.

Ayers is known for being the voice of Frieza in Dragon Ball Z Kai, Dragon Ball Super, Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’. and Dragon Ball Super: Broly. He has voiced characters in Gantz, Gintama: The Movie, Initial D, Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt, Phi-Brain – Puzzle of God, Sengoku Basara, Tamako Market, and Tears to Tiara.

He has also been involved with ADR directing and scripting for numerous anime English dubs. His career however began at a mere six years old. Anime News Network reports he had appeared on and off Broadway, and got into anime thanks to his younger brother and fellow voice actor Greg Ayres.

Image: Twitter