Doc Harris’ Untimely Passing Raise Speculation That He Suffered From Cancer
Legendary voice actor Doc Harris, known for his role as the narrator in Dragon Ball Z, sadly passed away last month following a minor surgery.

Doc Harris, whose real name was Gilbert Auchinleck, was born on August 3, 1948, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Career Highlights
- Doc Harris passed away at the age of 76 after complications from minor surgery.
- He was widely recognized for his voice work in Dragon Ball Z.
- It is important to clarify that Harris was not battling cancer before his passing.
In addition to his iconic role in Dragon Ball Z (1996), Harris was also known for his contributions to Monster Rancher (1999) and The X-Files (1993). He began his radio broadcasting career in Canada in 1966 and quickly became a recognizable voice.
Harris debuted on-air in Toronto as āDoc Holidayā in 1971, returning to the West Coast as āGilā and adopting the name āDoc Harrisā by 1976.
His remarkable versatility and unique voice made him a sought-after talent in the industry, lending his voice to beloved characters like Grigar in My Little Pony and contributing to projects such as Aegis Defenders, Hulk: The Video Game, and Captain N: The Master.
Clarification on Cause of Death
There has been speculation on social media regarding Doc Harris passing away from cancer. However, it was reported that he experienced complications from a minor surgery performed last month. Tragically, he passed away on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Vancouver General Hospital.
Ian James Corlett, the voice of Goku, shared his memories and tributes to Harris on social media.
Voice actor Doc Harris, known to anime fans as the original Dragon Ball Z narrator, has passed away at 76. pic.twitter.com/Lrpq4YpCIz
ā Anime Corner (@animecorner_ac) October 7, 2024
In the first Instagram post, Corlett reminisced about his encounters with Harris, emphasizing his profound impact on his early career.
Doc was a HUGE force in my early career. More than just a voice, he lived and breathed music. I first met him when I was working at a music store and sold him audio/recording gear. Seizing every opportunity, I struck up a relationship with him. In no time, he included me in his world, leading to fun comedy bits and music parodies.
Sadly, Corlett was unable to meet Harris this past summer but left a heartfelt message: āSorry, Doc. I owe you one. Actually, I owe you a hundred lunches.ā
This follows the recent passing of Akira Toriyama, the creator of the Dragon Ball franchise, who left us at the age of 68.
In his second Instagram post, Corlett reflected on Harris’s kindness and support as he navigated his career.
He once told me I reminded him of #RickMoranis⦠which meant the world to me. His compliment was monumental, knowing his past connections with Moran.
A fan on Reddit poignantly stated:
āHis voice made sending someone to āanother dimensionā sound epic.ā
Doc Harris, the narrator of Dragon Ball Z has sadly passed away at the age of 76. His iconic voice brought joy to millions, RIPšļøš. pic.twitter.com/fyrLTqXKxX
ā vids that go hard (@vidsthatgohard) October 7, 2024
His fans have conveyed their condolences to his family during this difficult time. Throughout his life, Doc Harris maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal matters, and therefore, details of his illness remain undisclosed.
Additional Information
- Doc Harris attended Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School and furthered his education in Theatre Arts at the University of Victoria.
- He was the former Locutor at CKPG CKLG-FM/CFOX CFUN CJAT, according to his Facebook profile.
- Harris previously worked as the Am Drive at Rock 1040/Magic 104.
FAQs
What are some of Doc Harris’s most famous roles?
Doc Harris is best known for narrating Dragon Ball Z, as well as voice roles in Monster Rancher and The X-Files.
When did Doc Harris pass away?
Doc Harris passed away on October 5, 2024, at the age of 76.
Was Harris battling cancer?
No, Doc Harris was not battling cancer. His passing was attributed to complications following a minor surgery.
Where can I find more information about Doc Harris’s career?
More information can be found on movie databases such as IMDb and through his social media profiles.
Bio Table
Name | Doc Harris (Gilbert Auchinleck) |
---|---|
Born | August 3, 1948 |
Birthplace | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
Occupation | Voice Actor, Radio Broadcaster |
Notable Works | Dragon Ball Z, The X-Files, Monster Rancher |
Passed Away | October 5, 2024 |
Age at Death | 76 |