Goku's Pinoy Voice Actor Utanes Dies at 46

Filipino voice actor Jefferson Seril Utanes, widely celebrated as the voice of 'Son Goku' in Dragon Ball, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the age of 46. Utanes, affectionately known as 'Goku ng Pinas,' was a towering figure in the Philippine voice-acting industry for over two decades, leaving an indelible mark on countless fans.

His passing followed a courageous battle with serious health complications, including stage 5 chronic kidney disease and severe heart blockages. A GoFundMe campaign was initiated in July 2025 to help manage mounting medical costs for his treatment, which included a necessary coronary artery bypass surgery. Despite these efforts, his health continued to decline.

Beyond his iconic portrayal of Goku, Utanes lent his versatile voice to a vast array of characters, including Doraemon, Usopp from One Piece, and Mickey Mouse. He also served as a dubbing director for ABS-CBN and was a voice-over announcer for 'It's Showtime.' His contributions have cemented his status as a legend in the Filipino entertainment and anime communities.