Who is Mike McFarland? Dragon Ball voice actor diagnosed with glioblastoma, GoFundMe raises over $219,000

Mike McFarland is a popular American voice actor, ADR director, and producer. He has been in many anime series with English dubbing for more than twenty years. His most notable parts were as Yajirobe and Master Roshi in Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z.

McFarland's diagnosis of glioblastoma in 2025 put his health into question. It is a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

Since then, he has required skilled nursing care, surgeries, and medical treatment. A GoFundMe page was established to assist with his medical bills. More than $219,000 has been raised from the campaign, reflecting the admiration that fans and other voice actors have for his work and have helped bring to anime.

Mike McFarland’s career

Mike McFarland was born on July 14, 1970, in Texas City. He is one of the most famous voices of anime dubs, having started voice acting during the 1990s. In the Dragon Ball series, he voices Yajirobe and Master Roshi.

McFarland has done voice work for other successful series, too. He voiced Jean Kirstein in Attack on Titan, Buggy the Clown in One Piece, and Jean Havoc in Fullmetal Alchemist. He has also offered voice work for video game characters, films, and spin-offs.

He worked on the Evangelion movies, Fullmetal Alchemist, and Case Closed. His work behind the scenes facilitated Japanese anime appreciation and connection by English-speaking audiences.

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Glioblastoma diagnosis and GoFundMe support

In early 2025, Mike McFarland was admitted to the hospital when doctors found a brain tumor. The tumor was surgically removed, but subsequently it was found that he had glioblastoma. He has undergone several surgeries and is still undergoing treatment.

Due to the huge care expenses, his friends and peers among the anime community set up a GoFundMe appeal. The appeal requested fans and supporters to donate towards his medical bills and living expenses. Fans rallied behind him, and up to late August 2025, the appeal had collected over $219,000.

The fundraiser's success indicates the immense support Mike McFarland has gathered. Fans from all over the globe have come together to support him during his recuperation. Some of his fellow voice actors have also employed social media to raise awareness and give people updates on his status.

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Trending

Mike McFarland is a significant figure in the anime community, having been involved for numerous years. His contributions as both a voice actor and director made their mark on the way that English-speaking fans experienced anime. Diagnoses of glioblastoma have been tough news to receive for fans.

The GoFundMe campaign and funds it has generated indicate the influence McFarland has exercised. The funds assist in his care and treatment. The campaign also indicates the close relationship anime producers have with audiences.

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