The anime community mourns the passing of veteran actor and narrator Leo Morimoto, who died on September 4 at the age of 83. His agency confirmed the news, stating he passed suddenly from unknown causes. Morimoto, whose birth name was Haruyuki Morimoto, was a beloved figure known for his distinctive voice work across various mediums, including iconic anime roles, television, and commercials.
A Storied Career Begins
Born in Nagoya city, Aichi prefecture, on February 13, 1943, Leo Morimoto embarked on a multifaceted career in entertainment after graduating from Nihon University College of Art. He began his professional journey as a DJ for a radio station, a role that undoubtedly honed his captivating vocal delivery. His early forays into television included an appearance in the 1974 live-action NHK series Kiiroi Namida, also known as Yellow-Colored Tears. Over the decades, he became a familiar face in supporting roles on numerous popular TV series, including the highly acclaimed Long Vacation and Shomuni, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
The Voice of Generations
Morimoto's unique vocal quality made him an in-demand narrator for countless commercials and documentaries. Many will fondly remember his consistent narration for the Japanese version of the beloved children's series Thomas & Friends, a role he held for many years, bringing joy to generations of young viewers. His talent extended to puppet shows as well, where he voiced the pivotal character of Zhuge Liang in the 1982 production Records of the Three Kingdoms. In the realm of video games, he lent his narrative prowess to the 2007 title Eternal Sonata, further solidifying his diverse contributions to entertainment. In recent years, he remained a popular figure through his appearances on the quiz variety program Quiz Presen Variety Q-sama!!
Iconic Anime Contributions
Among his most celebrated works in animation, Leo Morimoto starred as Shitotsugh Lhadatt in the seminal 1987 film Royal Space Force: The Wings of Honnêamise. This role in a groundbreaking science fiction anime cemented his place in the hearts of anime enthusiasts worldwide. His soothing yet authoritative voice also became synonymous with the critically acclaimed Bartender anime, where he served as the series' narrator, guiding viewers through the intricate world of cocktails and human stories. Additionally, Morimoto narrated the whimsical Dragon Goes House-Hunting anime, adding another memorable credit to his extensive resume. He also voiced Captain Erskine in the anime series Agatha Christie no Meitantei Poirot to Marple, demonstrating his range across different genres.
Leo Morimoto's passing leaves a significant void in the entertainment industry. His profound talent, whether bringing animated characters to life, narrating compelling stories, or acting in live-action dramas, touched countless lives. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his indelible contributions to Japanese media.
