Rick May, the voice of Peppy Hare and Andross in Star Fox 64, has passed away due to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. In February, the actor suffered a stroke and was moved to a rehabilitation center for recovery. However, he caught COVID-19 in the nursing home and had to be transported to a hospital for treatment. He passed on at the age of 79.

In addition to Peppy Hare and Andross in Star Fox 64, Rick May also voiced the Soldier from Team Fortress 2, Dr. M in Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves, and Genghis Khan in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings.

Aside from video game voice acting, Rick May had a long career in show business. According to IMDb, his first role in film was an uncredited appearance in American Graffiti in 1973. He also directed and acted in over 300 stage shows, with roles in iconic plays like Inherit the Wind, Fiddler on the Roof, and Death of a Salesman. He was also a teacher at the Rekindle School in Seattle, passing on his craft to younger generations.

It’s always sad to hear about people passing away, but due to COVID-19, we’re hearing it much more often. Rick May was a lifelong performer who not only voiced a well-loved Nintendo character, but brought art into the world through his acting and teaching. He will be missed.

[Source/Via]