The anime community mourns the loss of Doc Harris, the iconic narrator whose resonant voice became synonymous with the early English dub of Dragon Ball Z. Harris, born Gilbert Auchinleck, passed away this past Saturday at Vancouver General Hospital after undergoing what was reported as a minor surgery last month, according to Broadcast Dialogue.
With a broadcasting career that spanned several decades, Harris is particularly cherished among anime aficionados for his role as the narrator during the formative years of Dragon Ball Z. His voice famously introduced and closed each episode, etching his presence in the memories of countless fans who grew up during that era.
Harris lent his talents to the Ocean Group, the team responsible for dubbing the series in its early days. He is perhaps best remembered for the phrase, “Find out next time on Dragon Ball Z,” which echoed in the homes of fans, marking a significant moment in their after-school routines. Beyond his narration in the television series, Harris also contributed to several Dragon Ball Z films, and his influence is considered pivotal in establishing the franchise’s immense popularity today.
The term “Ocean dub” refers to the initial 53 episodes of the series produced through a collaboration between Funimation, Saban Brands, and Ocean Group’s voice talent. These episodes were adapted from the original Japanese broadcasts and featured a distinct voice cast compared to the later re-releases by Funimation, including the uncut version of Dragon Ball Z Kai. For many fans of a certain generation, this iteration of the anime encapsulated the essence and spirit that Dragon Ball exudes in the West.
This unique version of the series boasted its own energetic soundtrack, a distinctive portrayal of the characters, and, of course, Doc Harris as the linchpin that unified it all. It is challenging to envision Dragon Ball Z making the same early impact without the unforgettable voices like Harris’s. His vocal prowess extended beyond Dragon Ball Z, with notable contributions to other animated series such as My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Monster Rancher, Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space, and Captain N: The Game Master.
As the Dragon Ball franchise commemorates the 40th anniversary of Akira Toriyama’s original manga debut in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, it serves as an opportune moment to revisit Harris’s contributions to the Dragon Ball Z series. Sadly, much of this cherished work is confined to older physical media, such as VHS tapes, necessitating some effort from fans to rediscover these treasures online.
Thanks to the efforts of talent like Harris, Dragon Ball has ascended to unparalleled heights. It’s remarkable to consider that those involved in the series’ inception in the West could never have predicted its longevity and continued evolution over the decades. However, it’s clear that fans have cherished these contributions throughout the years.
We hope that Harris knew the profound impact his voice had on a generation of fans and will continue to resonate for years to come. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Harris’s family, friends, and loved ones during this poignant time.
