Billy Kametz (Pokemon, The Rising of the Shield Hero) died at the age of 35

Sad news for anime fans: Billy Kametz, a well-known voice actor in the United States, died at the age of 35. He had announced earlier this year that he was putting his career, and convention appearances, on hold after being diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer.

With over 100 credits, Billy Kametz was particularly active in the video game and anime industry. Pokemon, Boruto, The Seven Deadly Sins, Attack on Titan, Beastars, Japan Sinks: 2020, Vinland Saga are some of the projects he was involved in during his career. His voice performance as Naofumi Iwatani in The Rising of the Shield Hero had made him win the award for the best English language voiceover at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2019.

In a statement posted on the actor’s GoFundMe page, Jinnie A. McManus, who represented him for his appearances at conventions, said, “Know that he left this world peacefully, knowing how loved he is and always will be. I miss my friend terribly. But it comforts me that his legacy will continue with his work and all of the fans who are even now discovering what an extraordinary man he was.”