It’s always sad to say goodbye to a legend.
Japanese media agency Aoni Production announced that voice actress Yuko Mizutani succumbed to breast cancer on Tuesday. She was 51.
Mizutani began her voice acting career in 1985, when she made her début in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam as Sarah Zabiarov and Cheimin Noa. Through her career, Mizutani played numerous iconic roles, including Mihoshi in Tenchi Muyo!!, Chocolate Misu in Sorcerer Hunters, Pinoko in Black Jack, and Excel Saga‘s Great Will of the Macrocosm.
In addition, Mizutani played the role of Sakiko Sakura on Chibi Maruko-chan. The show’s official website updated with condolences from the staff. The message reads:
Chibi Maruko-chan voice actor Yuko Mizutani (Sakiko Sakura) passed away on May 17, 2016. She was 51 years old.
She played the role of the elder sister since the first broadcast in 1990, and she certainly brought excitement and fun to Chibi Maruko-chan.
We mourn her loss and sincerely wish the best for her soul.
Through the day, several prominent industry figures, including Evangelion character designer Yoshiyuki Sadamoto and Saber Marionette J character designer Tsukasa Kotobuki, have taken to Twitter to express their condolences. Several of their well-wishes can be found below.
Yoshiyuki Sadamoto
水谷優子さん
ご冥福を心よりお祈り申し上げます。
マリーの声、ありがとうございました。 pic.twitter.com/356JTqPeG8— 貞本義行@腰痛 (@Y_Sadamoto) May 19, 2016
Tsukasa Kotobuki
— ことぶきつかさ (@t_kotobuki) May 19, 2016
Yasuhiro Makino
【追悼】
水谷優子さん
魔法少女プリティサミーでの美星先生役
ありがとうございました。ご冥福をお祈りさせて頂きます。 pic.twitter.com/28erGuI9oS
— 蒔野 靖弘 『ばくおん!! ~天野恩紗のニコイチ繁盛記~』別冊ヤングチャンピオン連載中 (@unilabo) May 19, 2016
Rui Araizumi
水谷優子さまの…ご冥福をお祈りします…_(;3 」∠)_ pic.twitter.com/O9g6Dt8CwD
— あらいずみるい☆ (@araizumirui) May 19, 2016
Source: Anime! Anime!