Jeff Garcia, known best as the voice of Sheen Estevez in Nickelodeon’s Jimmy Neutron franchise, has died. His son Joseph revealed his father’s passing on Instagram Wednesday. He was 50.
Family members told TMZ Garcia died early Wednesday morning after being taken off life support at a Southern California hospital following several serious health complications over the past several months. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined.
Born May 3, 1975, Garcia began his career as a stand-up comedian in 1991, which he continued though the ’90s at Southern California comedy clubs, including the Laugh Factory, before moving into acting in 1995. His work spanned decades.
Garcia broke out as a voice actor in his portrayal of Sheen Estevez in Nickelodeon’s Jimmy Neutron franchise, first in 2001 in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and then spinoffs The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius and Planet Sheen. He also voiced the character in TV movie Jimmy Neutron: Attack of the Twonkies in 2005.
He also guest-starred on MTV’s animated series Clone High in 2002, voiced Tyler Nelson in The Maw franchise and Pip the mouse in Steve Oedekerk’s 2006 film Barnyard, reprising his role as Pip in Nickelodeon’s Back at the Barnyard series, which aired from 2007-2011 on Nickelodeon.
Garcia appeared on Comedy Central Presents in 2006. He also voiced Tipa in the 2011 animated comedy film Rio and a spoonbill and an auditioning Spix’ s macaw named Peri in the sequel Rio 2. He was the voice of Rinaldo in George and Bill Miller’s Happy Feet and Happy Feet 2.
He also appeared in live-action television – in Caroline in the City in 1995 and Dangerous Minds in 1996. He went on to portray Freddy Lopez in Byron Allen’s live-action sitcom Mr. Box Office in 2012. In late October, just weeks before his death, he appeared as guest on Allen’s Comics Unleashed talk show.
Garcia is survived by his two children, Savannah and Joseph Garcia.
In his tribute on Instagram, Joseph Garcia wrote in part: “The talent my father possessed was truly one of a kind. From voice acting to stand up comedy, he shined with his quick wit, brash humor, and charm. He has made such an impact on people’s lives internationally, whether you grew up watching Jimmy Neutron, or shared a laugh with him at one of his shows. He was my hero… I idolized him. He may be gone, but he will NEVER be forgotten.”
You can read his tribute in full below.
