R.I.P. Dan Hennessey: ‘Little Bear’ And ‘Inspector Gadget’ Voice Actor Dead At 82

Prolific voice actor Dan Hennessey, best known for his work on the animated children’s program Little Bear , has passed away. He was 82.

TMZ reports the actor’s family confirmed he passed away Wednesday (Nov. 20) at his home from complications associated with Parkinson’s disease.

In a statement to the outlet, his family praised him for being “an incredible son, brother, husband, father, friend, and performer.”

“We are so touched by all those letting us know how he impacted them through his craft, from stage to voice acting and direction,” his loved ones said. “We are warmed by the fact that he provided comfort to a generation of kids around the world by giving voice to beloved animated characters like Braveheart Lion and Fatherbear, who were the personification of his kind and exuberant personality.”

Hennessey, who has been a working actor since the ’70s, starred in several animated children’s programs over the years including X-Men: The Animated Series, The Neverending Story, Inspector Gadget, The Adventures of Tintin, and more.

This is very sad news. RIP to Dan Hennessey, the man who was such a huge part of not only my entry into the world of the Xmen , but of the whole Xmen animated series. We all mourn https://t.co/HupEBds27r

— Adrian Hough (@Adey800) November 19, 2024

He also served as voice director on X-Men: The Animated Series.

But he is best known for voicing Father Bear in the Little Bear series, which he began starring in 1997. He last reprised the role in 2005, marking one of the last acting credits of his career.

Hennessey’s former X-Men co-star Adrian Hough penned a tribute to the late actor on X.

“This is very sad news. RIP to Dan Hennessey, the man who was such a huge part of not only my entry into the world of the Xmen , but of the whole Xmen animated series. We all mourn,” he wrote.

His acting career ultimately ended in 2008 when he starred in Lomax: The Hound of Music and served as a voice director on the animated comedy series, Best Ed.

Hennessey is survived by his wife Patricia and his daughters Skye and Eden.