NEED TO KNOW
Jeff Garcia, known for his Jimmy Neutron character Sheen, has died at the age of 50.
The comedian’s son Jojo Garcia announced news of his death in a heartfelt Instagram post on Wednesday, Dec. 10, which featured a carousel of photos from recent years.
“With a very heavy heart, I would like to inform everybody that my father, Jeff Garcia, has passed away,” Jojo wrote. “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,” he continued. “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. 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.”
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Jojo concluded: “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. LLJG🕊️👼🏼”
“please give me and my family the time and privacy we need during this difficult time🙏🏽 I appreciate the kind words and wishes,” Jojo added in the comments, which were filled with supportive messages.
Debi Derryberry, who voiced the titular Jimmy Neutron across the franchise, honored her late co-star on Instagram shortly after learning about 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,” she wrote. “We were all together just a few months ago at a convention. He was always the funniest man in the room. We’re gonna miss you Sheen.”
Cast member Rob Paulsen reposted Derryberry’s tribute to his Instagram Stories as well.
Jeff’s official cause of death has not yet been revealed, but TMZ reported that he was hospitalized on Dec. 8 due to difficulty breathing, and his lung collapsed the next day. The outlet further reported that Jeff had a brain aneurysm earlier this year and a stroke several weeks ago, in addition to another hospitalization on Nov. 20 for pneumonia.
PEOPLE has reached out to Garcia’s team.
Jeff first made his name as a voice actor when he played Sheen in Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius in 2001. The following year, the franchise launched a TV series, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, in which Jeff carried on the role for 59 episodes.
He later led a spinoff series about the character called Planet Sheen, which aired in 2010 for 26 episodes.
Outside of the Jimmy Neutron universe, Jeff starred in the 2006 movie Barnyard and its subsequent series Back at the Barnyard from 2007 until 2010, in addition to Happy Feet and Happy Feet Two, Rio and Rio 2 and the 2012 sitcom Mr. Box Office. He was also a stand-up comic.
