‘The Simpsons’ Star Dies at 66

A beloved voice behind some of the most recognizable characters in The Simpsons has died, leaving fans across generations stunned.

Benoit Rousseau, a prolific voice actor known for bringing the French-Canadian versions of iconic characters to life, passed away at 66. While his official cause of death was not disclosed, reports indicate he had been battling cancer prior to his passing.

Rousseau wasn’t just another voice in the booth—he was a powerhouse. Over the years, he became a cornerstone of The Simpsons’ French-Canadian dub, voicing multiple major characters including Lenny, the sinister Mr. Burns, the over-the-top Duffman, and even the lovable Abraham “Grampa” Simpson. For many viewers in Quebec, his voice was Springfield.

But his reach didn’t stop there.

Starting in the 1990s, Rousseau helped introduce countless Hollywood hits to French-speaking audiences, lending his voice to characters in blockbuster franchises like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. He also brought Marvel action to life in dubbed versions of Thor: Ragnarok and Ant-Man and the Wasp.

To Quebecois audiences, Rousseau’s voice became synonymous with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He frequently dubbed performances for Nicolas Cage and Dwayne Johnson—making him instantly recognizable even when audiences didn’t realize it.

Beyond voice work, Rousseau also stepped in front of the camera. He appeared in the 2022 dramedy Trois Fois Rien and had roles in popular TV series like Lâcher Prise and Avant le Crash, showing his range extended far beyond the recording studio.

Tributes quickly poured in following news of his death. Director Stéphane Lapointe, who worked with Rousseau on Avant le Crash, shared an emotional message remembering him as “a cultured, incredibly funny, sensitive guy,” adding, “Wow. I’m going to miss him.”

For fans, it’s a jarring loss. Rousseau may not have been a household name worldwide, but his voice was woven into decades of pop culture—quietly shaping how millions experienced some of their favorite characters.

And now, that unmistakable voice has gone silent.