Remembering Rick May: 'Star Fox 64' Voice Actor and Industry Veteran Passes Away at 79

Rick May, 'Star Fox 64' Voice Actor, Dies at 79: Honoring a Legend in the Nintendo and Gaming Community Rick May, the celebrated voice actor renowned for bringing Peppy Hare and Andross to life in Nintendo's iconic Star Fox 64 for the Nintendo 64, has died at the age of 79.

May passed away after contracting COVID-19 while recovering in a care facility, following a stroke earlier in the year. Widely recognized for delivering the unforgettable line "do a barrel roll"—a phrase that has become synonymous with Nintendo and the legacy of Star Fox—May's work in the gaming industry extended far beyond his memorable performances in the 1997 classic.

His contributions also include voicing the Soldier in Valve's Team Fortress 2, participating in Ensemble Studios' Age of Empires II, and lending his talents to Sly 2: Honor Among Thieves and SOCOM II.

These roles earned him respect and admiration across diverse gaming communities, reinforcing his status as a highly versatile and impactful voice actor. Nintendo released Star Fox 64—a cornerstone of the Nintendo 64 library—in 1997.

Lauded for its innovative use of 3D graphics and the Rumble Pak peripheral, the title quickly became a top seller, helping to define a generation of shooters on Nintendo hardware.

May's enthusiastic performance as Peppy Hare, including the legendary "do a barrel roll" directive, has since been celebrated as one of the most iconic moments in video game history, referenced in countless Nintendo Direct presentations, Nintendo Switch releases, and the broader pop culture landscape. In addition to his extensive work in video games, Rick May appeared briefly in George Lucas's acclaimed film American Graffiti.

Despite not receiving credit at the time, his appearance in the influential movie is fondly remembered by film enthusiasts and demonstrates the breadth of his artistic talent. Beyond his professional accomplishments, May was dedicated to education and the arts through his role as an instructor at Rekindle School, a Seattle-based organization.

Rekindle School has invited those wishing to honor his memory to send condolences that will be shared with his family. Rick May's legacy endures not only in beloved Nintendo titles like Star Fox 64 but also in the hearts of countless fans, students, and colleagues throughout the gaming and creative arts industries.

His energetic performances and passion for his craft will be deeply missed but long remembered by the global gaming community.

Rick May Nintendo Star Fox 64 Peppy Hare Andross Team Fortress 2 Age of Empires 2 Sly 2: Honor Among Thieves SOCOM II Rekindle School Nintendo 64