The gaming world mourns the loss of a true icon as Sam A. Mowry, the voice behind multiple Dota 2 heroes and many other beloved video game characters, passed away on July 20, 2024.
According to the Oregon Artswatch, Mowry suffered a cardiac arrest while awaiting surgery for blocked arteries. He was 64 years old.
Who Was Sam A. Mowry?
Sam A. Mowry was a versatile actor and voice talent whose career spanned theater, radio drama, and video games.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Mowry moved to Portland, Oregon in 1979, where he quickly established himself as a prominent figure in the local theater scene. His theatrical prowess laid the foundation for his eventual success in voice acting for video games.
Mowry’s most renowned work in the gaming industry is voicing multiple heroes in the iconic Dota 2.
He has a long history with Dota 2 as he voiced The Shopkeeper in the original Dota 2 trailer at Gamescom 2011, marking the beginning of the game’s journey.
Other heroes, he voiced in Dota 2, include:
- Anti-Mage
- Beastmaster
- Clockwerk
- Necrophos
- Slardar
- Warlock
However, Mowry’s talents weren’t limited to just one game. His versatility as a voice actor allowed him to leave his mark on numerous other titles.
From the sinister Rhaast in Legends of Runeterra to the cunning Arpeggio in Sly Cooper, Mowry’s range was truly impressive.
He also lent his voice to Alexander in the horror game Amnesia: The Dark Descent and brought the complex character of Kessler to life in inFamous.
Beyond video games, Mowry was a highly respected stage actor in Portland, Oregon’s theatre community. He was a founding member of the Willamette Radio Workshop, helping to revive radio drama as an art form. Mowry was also known for his mentorship of young actors and his commitment to fostering a sense of community in the Portland theater scene.
How Did the Gaming Community React?
As news of Mowry’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the gaming industry.
Riot Games, the company behind Legends of Runeterra, expressed their condolences on their official Twitter/X page, acknowledging Mowry’s significant impact:
We’re sad to learn that Sam Mowry, the voice of Rhaast, passed away this weekend.
For the voice of a Darkin, Sam was a bastion of light. It was an honor to work with him and he will live on as a part of Runeterra forever. pic.twitter.com/ePJfi9abMo
— Riot Games (@riotgames) July 22, 2024
Similarly, Wykrhm Reddy, an unofficial spokesman for Dota 2 and a prominent community figure, shared a moving tribute on behalf of Valve:
Rest in Peace Sam. Thank you for being the voice of some incredible memory making moments for MILLIONS of people across the world.
Whenever a Dota player asks themselves – “What does a hero truly need?” .. it will forever be in your voice.
Thank You. THANK YOU. pic.twitter.com/K4E6YnoVDe
— Wykrhm Reddy (@wykrhm) July 23, 2024
These tributes highlight Mowry’s profound influence and the indelible mark he left on the gaming landscape.
Yesterday, I lost one of the best friends I’ve ever had. Sam A. Mowry (1959-2024) was someone who mentored me, encouraged me, and helped me improve Exoplanetary in every conceivable way. pic.twitter.com/v5x9xGyoJj
— C. Christopher Hart (@CCHinOregon) July 21, 2024
Rest in peace Sam Mowry. Sly 2: Band Of Thieves was a big part of my childhood, and my condolences go to his family.#RIPSamMowry #SlyCooper pic.twitter.com/J5aGWKdiRN
— Cobalt (@C_baltblue) July 23, 2024
Sam Mowry, a distinguished actor with a huge legacy, has passed away at the age of 64. He devoted more than 40 years to his profession, which included voice-over work, radio theater, movies and productions.
🫡 pic.twitter.com/j9fojEEzyK— Adrian Zombek (@ZombekAdri) July 24, 2024
With the sad passing of Sam A. Mowry rhaasts voice actor. I think it’s really really cool that he also voiced a bunch of dota 2 characters!!!! His voice acting talents are insane he will be missed.
He voiced over 5 characters in dota this guy was insanely talented pic.twitter.com/58Lu0tKyk9
— Shæ Creatures 🟧🏳️⚧️🐝 (@SheaXcoven) July 23, 2024
Sam A. Mowry’s legacy will live on through the characters he brought to life and the memories he helped create for millions of gamers around the world. Subscribe to Gaming Foodle for more news!
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