E.G. Daily Feels ‘Grateful’ She and the “Powerpuff Girls” Cast Got a Final Convention Day with Tom Kane, Weeks Before His Death (Exclusive)

In a heartfelt tribute following the passing of voice actor Tom Kane, his fellow cast members from *The Powerpuff Girls* have shared their memories and condolences. Kane, who famously voiced Professor Utonium, passed away at the age of 64 on May 18, 2026, in a Kansas City hospital after enduring complications from a stroke he had suffered in 2020.

Kane’s death has left a noticeable void among his colleagues, particularly actress E.G. Daily, who brought the character Buttercup to life. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Daily reflected on the camaraderie and profound impact Kane had on the cast. “There’s definitely a little hole. And not a little hole, but a big space that Tom filled. He really was like a father to us,” she stated, emphasising the strong bond they shared.

Daily fondly recalled one of her last encounters with Kane during the Lexington Comic & Toy Convention held in late March 2026. This event marked the first time Kane had appeared at a convention since his stroke, a poignant moment that occurred just six weeks before his untimely passing. Daily was joined by her fellow *Powerpuff Girls* stars Tara Strong (Bubbles) and Cathy Cavadini (Blossom).

Kane’s paternal influence was evident not only in his relationships with his co-stars but also in his personal life, as Daily noted, “The man adopted, I think, six kids. He had his own kids and then adopted a bunch of kids.” She highlighted how Kane’s nurturing spirit extended beyond the studio, describing him as embodying a genuine “dad vibe.”

As the cast continues to grapple with the loss, Daily mentioned how fans have been expressing their sentiments about Kane’s legacy. “We’ll go to cons and people share their stories about having met him or gotten something signed by him. There’s a hole that will always be there,” she shared, reflecting on the importance of Kane’s contributions as a talented voice actor.

Kane was a prominent figure in children’s television during the ‘90s and 2000s, contributing his voice to memorable characters across various shows on networks like Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. In addition to his role as Professor Utonium, he was also known for voicing Darwin, the chatty chimp from *The Wild Thornberrys*, among other characters.

In December 2020, Kane’s daughter, Sami, revealed that her father had suffered a stroke that significantly impacted his abilities to communicate. Despite the challenges he faced, she noted his determination and improving spirits. However, by September 2021, it was confirmed that Kane had retired from voice acting as a result of his condition.

Despite his limited communication abilities in his later years, Daily expressed gratitude for the time the cast shared with Kane before his death. “I feel like faith worked out beautifully because we did get to do a con,” she explained. At this event, although Kane struggled to speak, he was able to make gestures and engage with fans, a testament to his enduring spirit.

As the *Powerpuff Girls* cast moves forward without their beloved Professor Utonium, they carry with them the memories and lessons learned from their time with Kane. His legacy as a voice actor and as a caring figure in their lives will not be forgotten, and the impact he had on both his family and his fans will remain a part of the fabric of his rich contributions to the entertainment world.

The emotional aftermath of Kane’s passing serves as a poignant reminder of the strong bonds formed through shared experiences, and the lasting influence one individual can have within both personal and professional circles. His colleagues continue to honour his memory, celebrating not only his talent but the warmth and kindness he brought to their lives.