Michael Beckwith
Published December 11, 2025 5:37pm
Updated December 11, 2025 5:37pm
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Ward had to retire from voice acting due to a combination of Alzheimer’s and COVID-19 (IMDB)
Considered a ‘voice deity’ by his radio co-host Stephanie Miller, Jim Ward leaves behind him a legacy of beloved video game and cartoon voice performances.
Late last night, it was announced that voice actor and radio personality Jim Ward had died on Wednesday, December 10.
Ward had a long career in voice work, appearing in many films, cartoons, and video games since the late 90s. PlayStation fans will know him best as Captain Qwark, the buffoonish superhero from the Ratchet & Clank games.
You might also recognise him as the voice of the villainous Jack Krauser from the original Resident Evil 4 (a role he didn’t reprise for the 2023 remake) as well as Aleksandr Granin in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Herr Doktor in Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.
Outside of voice acting, he co-hosted The Stephanie Miller Show in the US, a comedic radio show focused on discussions of current events, where he was known for imitating politicians and celebrities.
It was Stephanie Miller herself who broke the news of Ward’s death, posting on X that she had received ‘one of the saddest messages’ from Ward’s wife.
‘Our wonderful ‘voice deity’ as Steph anointed Jim Ward, passed away today at 10:45am,’ it read.
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One of the saddest messages I have ever received from the amazing Mrs Jim Ward: Our wonderful “voice deity” as Steph anointed Jim Ward, passed away today at 10:45AM. Can you let Steph know? Thanks, Janice
— Stephanie Miller (@StephMillerShow) December 10, 2025
The cause of death has not been shared at the time of writing, but it was known that he had to retire from voice acting several years ago. According to a 2021 Facebook post, it was due to developing Alzheimer’s symptoms and contracting a severe case of COVID-19 that left him ‘completely paralysed and hospitalised for four months.’
This was the reason why he didn’t reprise his role as Captain Qwark in the last Ratchet & Clank game, Rift Apart, where the character was instead voiced by Scott Whyte.
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Fans of Ward’s performances have paid condolences across social media. ‘I grew up with Jim Ward on my TV screen playing one of the greatest video games ever, Ratchet & Clank. Rest in peace Captain Qwark,’ writes one fan on X.
Another says, ‘Jim Ward brought so much character and passion into the cartoons he took part of. He will forever be missed, and he’ll always be remembered by those he made smile.’
Members of the Metal Gear subreddit are also paying tribute to Ward, although plenty also make reference to his performances outside of Metal Gear, including his role as Doug Dimmadome from Nickelodeon cartoon The Fairly OddParents.
‘Granin in particular was really memorable for me, and Jim Ward’s performance made an otherwise contemptible character become surprisingly likeable and endearing – not an easy feat to pull off! He’ll be missed!’ says one fan.
Captain Qwark has always been a fan favourite in the Ratchet & Clank games (Sony/YouTube)
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