Jeff Garcia, best known as the voice of Sheen Estevez in Nickelodeon’s Jimmy Neutron franchise, died Wednesday. He was 50. His son Joseph revealed his father’s passing on Instagram.
Family members told TMZ that Garcia died early Wednesday morning after being taken off life support at a Southern California hospital following several serious health complications during the past several months. The exact cause of death has not yet been determined.
Born on May 3, 1975, in Irvine, CA, 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 with his portrayal of Sheen Estevez in Nickelodeon’s Jimmy Neutron franchise, first in 2001’s 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. He reprised his role as Pip in Back at the Barnyard series, which aired from 2007-11 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 talk show Comics Unleashed.
Along with his son Joseph, Garcia is survived by his daughter, Savannah.
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.
