The voice of Knuckles in ‘90s OVA Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie, Bill Wise, has passed away at age 61.
The anime debuted in two parts in Japan in 1996, and was produced by Studio Pierrot. Both halves were later localized, dubbed in English, and edited together by ADV Films, who released the OVA in the US as a direct-to-video film in 1999.
The film sees Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles team up to fight Metal Robotnik and Hyper Metal Sonic.
Wise’s friend and fellow bandmate, Jeff Smith, shared the news of his passing in a heartfelt Facebook post (via Anime News Network and Sonic City). The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
“He was one of those rare friends I could share anything with and I knew that any judgment came from a place of love,” Smith said.
“I love and will miss you brother.”
Wise was the first English actor to give Knuckles a voice. Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie was released in the US two days before Dreamcast title Sonic Adventure launched in the region, which had Michael McGaharn voice the character.
Acting since 1989, Wise had many voiceover and live-action roles across films, television series, anime, and video games. His credits include roles in Boyhood; Incredibles 2; Walker, Texas Ranger; Prison Break; and the Serious Sam video game series.
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Banner image (Bill Wise) source: Collier Talent Agency
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Written by Reece Heather
A veteran Zelda Universe editor and First-class journalism graduate, Reece emerged with a Nintendo 64 and a lifelong obsession after a narrow escape from Santa’s Naughty List in 1998. Outside of games, he’s reading Punisher comics, being bossed around by his cocker spaniel, and cornering innocent bystanders to rant about the importance of game preservation.
