RIP Éric Legrand

 

Éric Legrand, 1 of Vegeta's Most Beloved Voice Actors, Has Died

Screen Rant

By Casandra Ronning

May 25, 2025

 

Éric Legrand, the French voice actor best known for his roles as the voices of Vegeta and Yamcha in Dragon Ball Z, has passed away at the age of 66. The news was confirmed in a Facebook post by Patrick Borg, the longtime French voice actor for Goku, who shared that Legrand had been admitted to a palliative care unit on May 19, 2025.

While the exact date and cause of death haven’t been disclosed to the public, the announcement has sparked a wave of tributes from fans and fellow voice actors. Legrand began his career in the 1980s and quickly became a pillar of French-language dubbing. His notable performances helped shape generations of fans, and his voice remains inseparable from early broadcasts of Dragon Ball Z and other anime like Saint Seiya.

Patrick Borg Announces Éric Legrand’s Passing on Facebook

In a Heartfelt Post on Facebook, Patrick Borg Offers His Final Farewell to a Longtime Friend

Legrand’s passing was first publicly shared by his longtime friend and colleague, Patrick Borg. The two shared over four decades of friendship and professional collaboration as the voices of Vegeta and Goku, which strengthened their bond. On Facebook, Borg honored Legrand’s memory with a heartfelt farewell that shows the depth of their friendship.

Borg’s tribute offered a deeper glimpse into their friendship, which spanned the golden years of anime. His message not only honored Legrand’s legacy but also offered a look into the man behind the microphone. Legrand will be remembered for his resilience and sense of humor and is beloved by his colleagues and fans alike.

Éric Legrand Will Always Be Remembered Through His Iconic Roles

Legrand Was Beloved by All Who Were Touched by Him and His Performances

Éric Legrand’s influence on the voice acting world went beyond his roles in Dragon Ball Z. In France, he played a major role in anime localization and was also recognized for his lead role in Saint Seiya as the titular character. He brought beloved characters to life through Vegeta and Yamcha, and also voiced a variety of other characters throughout Dragon Ball. These roles include Mr. Popo, the World Martial Arts Tournament Announcer, and Bojack in Dragon Ball Z: Bojack Unbound.

Legrand’s talents also crossed into Western animation as he lent his voice to the French dubs of series like Archer and Captain Planet. Thanks to the warmth and admiration he inspired in fans and colleagues, his legacy extends far beyond the recording booth. With powerful deliveries and his respect for every role he took on, Legrand left a lasting impact that will never be forgotten by those who knew him. As the Dragon Ball and anime community reflect on his contributions, it’s clear that his work will continue to bring comfort to audiences for years to come.

LEGRAND, Éric

Born: 8/5/1952, Paris, Île-de-France, France

Died: 5/22/2025, Paris, Île-de-France, France

 

Éric Legrand’s western – TV – voice actor:

Winchester ’73 – 1950 [French voice of Jimmy Stewart]

Pale Rider – 1985 [French voice of Chris Penn]

Jesse Lee's Revenge – 1993 [French voice of Billy Zane]

Tombstone – 1993 [French voice of Billy Zane]

Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (TV) – 1994-1998 [French voice of Jason Leland Adams]

 Shanghai Kid – 2000 [French voice of Owen Wilson]