Mexican voice actress and director Gloria Rocha, a pioneer and legendary figure in the industry, passed away this Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the age of 94. Affectionately known as "La Madrina" (The Godmother), she died on the same day she would have celebrated her birthday, as confirmed by colleagues. Her passing represents an immense loss to the world of dubbed entertainment, especially for Brazilian audiences who grew up watching the series she helped adapt. Over decades, Rocha shaped the childhood and adolescence of millions of fans in Latin America, thanks to her fundamental work on iconic franchises.
As the original voice director, she was the mastermind behind the Spanish versions of absolute hits like "Dragon Ball Z," "Sailor Moon," and "Slam Dunk." However, her legacy extends far beyond directing. As a voice actress, she brought unforgettable characters to life for the Latin American audience, including detective Vilma Dinkley from "Scooby-Doo," Miss Piggy from "The Muppet Show," and Aunt May from "Spider-Man." In this way, her voice and artistic direction became an integral part of pop culture for generations, deeply connecting with Brazilian fans who consumed this content.
Tributes and the Legacy of a Pioneer
The news of her passing was met with deep sadness and gratitude from the voice acting community. René García, the Mexican voice of Vegeta in "Dragon Ball Z," expressed his grief on social media. "My emotions are very mixed today. Thank you, Godmother, for the immense affection you always gave me," he wrote. Similarly, Eduardo Garza, the voice of Krillin in the same franchise, paid tribute. "Today we lost a great woman. Someone who changed the lives of millions around the world," stated Garza, highlighting the global impact of her work.
Gloria Rocha enters history not only as a talented professional but as a true mentor and mother figure to countless voice actors who passed through her studios. Her nickname, "La Madrina," precisely reflected this guiding and supportive role within the industry. Therefore, her legacy is enduring: it lives on in the voices she directed, the characters she portrayed, and the stories she helped tell for the Hispanic audience and, by extension, for all anime and cartoon fans in Brazil. Geek culture and the world of voice acting lose one of their most important and respected voices.