Leon Kennedy s Voice Actor from "Resident Evil 2" Dies at 56 After Battle with Throat Cancer

The video game world has been shaken by the news of the death of Paul Haddad, the voice actor behind Leon S. Kennedy in the original 1998 version of Resident Evil 2. Haddad passed away after a courageous battle with throat cancer, at the age of 56. Fans of the iconic survival horror series are mourning the loss of the actor who brought to life one of the most beloved characters in gaming history.

Paul Haddad was a Canadian voice actor who began his career in the early 1990s. Though his body of work was diverse, he is most fondly remembered for voicing Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 2, a role that would cement his place in video game history. The game, which was originally released for the Sony PlayStation in 1998, became an instant classic. The survival horror title introduced players to the gritty world of Raccoon City, a town ravaged by a viral outbreak that transforms its residents into terrifying zombies and grotesque monsters. As one of the game s main protagonists, Leon Kennedy s journey through this nightmare was marked by his determination and humanity, qualities that made him a fan favorite.

Leon’s voice in the original Resident Evil 2 was imbued with a sense of hope and strength, despite the dire circumstances surrounding him. He was a rookie cop thrown into a disaster that would change the course of his life. Thanks to Haddad’s nuanced performance, Leon became a character who balanced vulnerability with courage, all while delivering some of the most iconic lines in gaming history. One of his famous quotes, "I m just a rookie," became synonymous with his character s humble beginnings and growth throughout the series.

Haddad’s portrayal of Leon Kennedy in Resident Evil 2 is still fondly remembered, and it is largely regarded as one of the defining moments in early video game voice acting. In an era where voice acting in video games was still finding its footing, Haddad’s performance stood out. His work on Resident Evil 2 helped set a new standard for character-driven storytelling in video games, making the experience much more immersive and emotionally engaging for players.

Although Paul Haddad was best known for his role as Leon Kennedy, he contributed his voice to several other projects over the years. However, none of these roles quite matched the impact of Leon. He remained a beloved figure within the Resident Evil fanbase, and his performance continued to influence how characters were voiced in subsequent entries in the franchise.

The news of Haddad’s passing has been met with an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike. Many have taken to social media to express their sadness and offer tributes. Several Resident Evil voice actors, including those who voiced characters in the more recent remakes of the game, have shared their thoughts, remembering Haddad for his warm spirit and exceptional talent.

It is important to note that while Resident Evil 2 was remade in 2019 with modern graphics and a more realistic tone, Paul Haddad s legacy within the series continues. The remakes have given new generations of players a chance to experience the story of Resident Evil 2, but the original characters, as voiced by Haddad and his colleagues, remain an essential part of the game’s identity.

For those who grew up playing the original Resident Evil 2, Haddad’s voice will forever be linked to the formative years of the Resident Evil franchise. He was not only the voice of a rookie cop but also the embodiment of the series’ early days—a time when the survival horror genre was beginning to define itself in the gaming world.

As the gaming community comes to terms with this sad loss, it is clear that Paul Haddad’s impact will not be forgotten. His voice acting in Resident Evil 2 will continue to be a cherished part of the game’s history. For many fans, Leon Kennedy, as voiced by Haddad, will always be the true version of the character, a testament to the actor’s talent and the lasting legacy he leaves behind in the world of gaming.

In remembering Paul Haddad, fans celebrate not only his voice but also his contribution to a game that has touched millions worldwide. Leon Kennedy will live on as one of the most iconic characters in gaming, and Haddad’s work will continue to influence the way we think about video game voice acting for years to come.

Rest in peace, Paul Haddad. Your legacy in Resident Evil 2 and beyond will forever be remembered.