Jeff Garcia, who was best known as the voice of Sheen in the hit Nickelodeon cartoon “Jimmy Neutron,” has died at age 50.
The actor’s son, Jojo Garcia, revealed the tragic news on social media on Wednesday.
“With a very heavy heart, I would like to inform everybody that my father, Jeff Garcia, has passed away,” he penned in an emotional Instagram post.
“My father was a unique soul. He was unapologetically himself, and I will always admire the love, compassion, and drive that he had.”
Jojo noted that his dad guided him 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,” Jojo wrote.
“I would call him every day. 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,” Jeff’s son continued.
“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.”
Jojo shared how Jeff left a lasting impact on many of his fans from both the Nickelodeon series and his stand-up shows.
“He was my hero… I idolized him,” concluded Jojo. “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🕊️👼🏼.”
In the comments section, Jojo added, “Please give me and my family the time and privacy we need during this difficult time🙏🏽 I appreciate the kind words and wishes.”
Debi Derryberry, who voiced Jimmy Neutron throughout the series, shared her own touching tribute after the news broke.
“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 on Instagram.
“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.”
The Post reached out to Nickelodeon for comment.
Although Jeff’s cause of death has yet to be revealed, TMZ reported on Wednesday that the voice actor was hospitalized after having difficulty breathing on Dec. 8. His lungs reportedly collapsed a day later.
The outlet added that Jeff had a stroke a few weeks before being hospitalized for pneumonia on Nov. 20.
The Nickelodeon voice actor also reportedly suffered a brain aneurysm earlier this year.
After starring on “Jimmy Neutron” for 59 episodes beginning in 2002, Jeff went on to lead a spinoff series centered on the character called “Planet Sheen” in 2010.
Jeff also starred in the 2006 movie “Barnyard” and its spinoff series “Back at the Barnyard” from 2007 until 2010, as well as the hit animated flicks “Happy Feet,” “Happy Feet Two,” “Rio” and “Rio 2.”
