Inspector Gadget & Care Bears voice actor Dan Hennessey dies aged 82 after Parkinson’s battle as family lead tributes

CARTOON voice actor Dan Hennessey had died at the age of 82.

The Canadian star - famed for voicing Braveheart Lion in Care Bears and Chief Quimby in Inspector Gadget - had been suffering from Parkinson's disease.

He died from complications of the disease in his sleep at his home on November 13, TMZ reports.

His family hailed him as "an incredible son, brother, husband, father, friend, and performer" in a tribute.

They added: "We are so touched by all those letting us know how he impacted them through his craft, from stage to voice acting and direction.

"We are warmed by the fact that he provided comfort to a generation of kids around the world by giving voice to beloved animated characters like Braveheart Lion and Fatherbear, who were the personification of his kind and exuberant personality."

Hennessey lent his voice to a number of shows over the years, including as Father Bear in Little Bear and characters in RoboCop, Beetlejuice and The Raccoons.

One of his most famous roles was as Braveheart Lion on the children's animated series Care Bears.

As well as voicing the character on the show, he also appeared in several films based on the series.

His family continued: "That his contributions to voice acting and contagious spirit live on in perpetuity is a unique gift to those who greatly mourn his loss.

"He truly was the bravest heart we knew."

Hennessey is survived by his wife Patricia and daughters Skye and Eden.