Entertainment

Voice talent company 81 Produce announced on Tuesday that voice actor Hideyuki Umezu died on May

14 January 2025

Voice Actor Hideyuki Umezu died: Hideyuki Umezu, a voice actor known for his work in popular anime series, passed away on May 17 at the age of 68 due to interstitial pneumonia. His death was announced by 81 Produce, the talent agency he was affiliated with. Born on July 24, 1955, in Aichi Prefecture, Umezu had a notable career in voice acting. He voiced characters such as Diamante in “One Piece” and Ian Vashti in “Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season.” He also played GP02 in the 1993 anime film “Mobile Suit SD Gundam Festival.” A funeral was held by his family.

Voice Actor Hideyuki Umezu

Hideyuki Umezu: A Life Of Voice Acting

Early Life and Education

Hideyuki Umezu (梅津秀行, Umezu Hideyuki) was born on July 24, 1955, in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. He graduated from Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Although he considered becoming a dentist, his career path shifted dramatically when a friend at Waseda University inspired him to explore acting.

Career Beginnings

Umezu’s acting journey began in a theatre group named “Kiryu” at Waseda University. Initially supporting a friend’s interest in acting, he eventually embraced it himself, transitioning into period dramas through industry connections. Realizing the need for formal training, he attended an actor training school and the NHK Actors Seminar to refine his skills. His early work in period dramas led to his voice acting debut in 1982 as Dr. Hyblow in “Cybot Robotchi.”

Voice Acting Career

Umezu’s extensive voice-acting career included roles in numerous well-known anime series:

1980s: Voiced characters like Nelmarsen in “Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ” and Bravoman in “Bravoman.”
1990s: Played roles such as Kakarasu in “Holly the Ghost” and Chief Inspector in “Yu-Gi-Oh!.”
2000s: Notable roles included Barry the Chopper in “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” and Oscar Vessalius in “Pandora Hearts.”
2010s: Continued success with characters like Diamante in “One Piece” and Uranos Corsica in “Gangsta.”

Live Action and Dubbing

Apart from anime, Umezu appeared in live-action series and dubbed numerous international films and series into Japanese. He voiced characters like Arthur Weasley in the “Harry Potter” movies, Frank Gallagher in “Shameless,” and Pinky in “Animaniacs.”

Affiliations and Death

Throughout his career, Umezu was associated with NPS Theatre Arts Vision and later joined 81 Produce. His contributions to the voice acting industry spanned several decades until his passing on May 17, 2024, from interstitial pneumonia at the age of 68.

Legacy and Impact

Hideyuki Umezu left a lasting legacy in the voice acting community, remembered for his versatility and dedication to the craft. His work continues to resonate with fans of anime and international media alike.

Who was Hideyuki Umezu?

Hideyuki Umezu was a Japanese actor and voice actor affiliated with 81 Produce. He was born on July 24, 1955, and passed away on May 17, 2024.

What was Hideyuki Umezu known for?

Umezu was known for his extensive work in voice acting for anime, and live-action series, and for dubbing international films into Japanese. Some of his notable roles include Diamante in “One Piece,” Ian Vashti in “Mobile Suit Gundam 00 Second Season,” and Barry the Chopper in “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.”

What are some of Hideyuki Umezu’s notable voice acting roles?

Hideyuki Umezu’s notable voice acting roles include:-
Nelmarsen in “Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ” (1986)
Barry the Chopper in “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009)
Diamante in “One Piece” (2014)
Frank Gallagher in the Japanese dub of “Shameless”