Earlier today, it was announced that James McCaffrey, voice actor for the Alan Wake and Max Payne games, has died. McCaffery, 65, passed away this weekend after losing his battle with cancer. In the wake of his death, Remedy has shared a heartfelt message memorialized their long-time collaborator. As the company behind Alan Wake and Max Payne, as well as Control – which McCaffrey also starred in – Remedy and its director Sam Lake worked with James McCaffrey for over two decades and, like many of his other fans, are now mourning his loss.
Remedy & Sam Lake Release Statements Memorializing James McCaffrey
James McCaffrey started his relationship with Remedy in 2001, when he first stepped into the voice role of titular character Max Payne in the first Max Payne game. He would reprise his role as the troubled NYPD officer for Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (2003) and Max Payne 3 (2012). McCaffery would continue his work with Remedy with the Alan Wake series, released in 2010, and as the voice (and occasional face) of Zacariah Trench in Control (2019). One of his last roles was his return as the voice of Alex Casey in Alan Wake II (2023).
In a statement posted to social media, Remedy shared that they were “deeply saddened” by James McCaffrey’s death, and that McCaffery’s talent “gave life to our characters and left an enduring impact on our community.” Giving his own statement, Remedy’s director, Sam Lake, mourned the passing of the man he called a “dear friend.”
I’m heartbroken to hear the sad news of James McCaffrey’s passing. We worked together for more than 25 years. He was a lovely man and a dear friend. He was a key part of the Remedy family. He was a brilliant actor. No one could do what he did better than him. […] I had the honor of sharing Max Payne’s role and Casey’s role with him. He was a joy to work with. I will cherish his memory and I miss him. My deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Jim.
Sam Lake
In a somewhat ironic twist, James McCaffrey’s death may not mean the end of his work with Remedy. Remakes of Max Payne and its sequel are reportedly in the works with Rockstar Games. Though we don’t know how far the development process has gotten, or if he recorded any voice lines yet.
