Jeff Garcia, ‘Jimmy Neutron’ voice actor, has died

WASHINGTON — Jeff Garcia, known for his voice acting role in “Jimmy Neutron,” has died. He was 50.

The comedian and voice actor’s son, Jojo Garcia, confirmed the news of this death on Instagram on Wednesday. Garcia’s family asked for privacy and respect amid the news of the comedian’s death.

“With a very heavy heart, I would like to inform everybody that my father, Jeff Garcia, has passed away,” Jojo said on Instagram. “My father was a unique soul. He was unapologetically himself and I will always admire the love, compassion, and drive that he had. He taught me so much and gave me advice that I live by every single day.”

“He was a Father, Son, Uncle, Cousin, Brother, but most of all, he was my best friend. I would call him every day. I would tell him about the plans I had in comedy and my life. He believed in me, in a way that nobody else did,” he continued. “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.” 

The comedian was most known for his role as Sheen Estevez in Nickelodeon’s “Jimmy Neutron” franchise, playing one of Jimmy Neutron’s best friends. Garcia was also a stand-up comedian. 

“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,” Jojo added. “He may be gone, but he will NEVER be forgotten. He lives on through our family and friends he loved so dearly, along with the legacy he has created. I know you’re in heaven smiling down and you’re in a better place now. No more pain. I’m going to make you proud pops. Fly high, Rocket Man.” 

Jojo did not share a cause of death for the comedian. 

TMZ reported Wednesday that the voice actor was hospitalized on Dec. 8 due to difficulty breathing and that his lung collapsed the following day. He suffered a brain aneurysm earlier this year after a fall and had a stroke several weeks ago, TMZ reported. 

“Jimmy Neutron” co-star Debi Derryberry, who voiced the titular character, honored Garcia in an Instagram post following the news of his death. 

“RIP @jeffgarciala i’m devastated to find out that my dear friend Jeff Garcia, who also played Sheen on Jimmy Neutron has passed away,” Derryberry said on Instagram. “We were all together just a a few months ago at a convention. He was always the funniest man in the room. We’re gonna miss you Sheen.” 

Following the success of “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” in 2001, Garcia went on to voice Sheen for 59 episodes of the TV series “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.” 

In 2010, his character starred in a spinoff series called “Planet Sheen,” which ran for 26 episodes. Additionally, lent his voice to the 2006 movie Barnyard and its spinoff series “Back at the Barnyard.”  His other roles included “Happy Feet,” Happy Feet Two,” “Rio” and “Rio 2.