Robert Axelrod, known for voicing the iconic villain Lord Zedd in the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers, has died. The news came from his agent on social media.
“It is with a heavy heart that we write that client, Robert “Bob” Axelrod passed away yesterday (Saturday) in Los Angeles at the age of 70.”
Axelrod was born in New York City in 1949 and began his acting career in 1976 with the film The Smurfs and the Magic Flute. Other notable movies and shows on his resume include Lupin the 3rd: The Mystery of Mamo, where he played Profesor Hunter and Spider-Man: The Animated Series with his role as Microchip. He even starred in the 1988 film The Blob as Jennings.
His final movie credit on IMDB was as Mr. Rodgers in Induced Effect, released this year.
“Robert was primarily known as a guitarist in the early 1970s and then transitioned into voice acting into the early 1980s. His voice gave way to the creation of over 150 characters including the legendary Lord Zedd and Finster from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Wizardmon from Digimon.”
Axelrod provided the voice for more than 150 cartoon characters and live-action characters spanning his 43-year-long career in the industry.
“Robert enjoyed meeting his fans and inspiring them to follow their passions. His beautiful and kindred soul will never be forgotten and we take comfort in knowing his memory will live on in all those he inspired, met and knew.”
Fans took to social media in response, posting pictures and commenting about how the actor inspired them or helped push them into a career of acting, writing, and art.
Rest in peace, Robert. Lord Zedd's great design would have been nothing without Roberts voice. Villain performance of a generation. pic.twitter.com/fIbqjmWdl1
— Pleasant Lee (@BehemothArts) September 8, 2019
Axelrod played Lord Zedd a total of nine different times in either television shows or movies. He even portrayed him live in the 1996 adaptation of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Live.
Axelrod was 70-years-old.