Voice Actor Jim French Has Passed Away

Unfortunate news this morning, as beloved voice actor Jim French has passed away at the age of 89.

French was best known for his role as Bill, the grumpy old war veteran in the Valve game, Left 4 Dead. Other notable roles included the Scientist in Gunman Chronicles, Father Grigori in Half-Life 2, the Fisherman in Half-Life 2: Lost Coast, and the Elder Titan in Dota 2.

Before becoming a voice actor for video games, French was an established radio personality. Since the 1950s, he had written and produced over 800 radio shows for his own production company known as Imagination Theatre.

Voice actors have the unique ability to become a voice that millions of people both recognize and have an emotional attachment to, without ever knowing their face. Left 4 Dead sold an estimated 11 million copies, making his voice one of the most familiar voices in gaming.

My condolences go out to French's family and estate. He's pointing out medpacks in heaven now.