Michael Kopsa
Michael Kopsa (January 22, 1956 – October 23, 2022) was a Canadian actor and voice artist renowned for his versatile performances across live-action television, film, animation, anime dubbing, and video games, amassing over 225 credits in a career spanning more than four decades.[1] Born in Toronto, Ontario, Kopsa trained as an actor at New York's Circle in the Square Theatre School, where he honed his craft from the late 1970s to 1984, before earning an arts and science degree from the University of Toronto.[2][1] After early work as a cabinet maker and stage performer in Shakespearean productions with groups like the Rocky Mountain Shakespeare Company, he made his professional screen debut in the 1985 feature film Timing.[3] Kopsa's breakthrough came in voice acting with the English dub of the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam (1979), where he originated the iconic role of Char Aznable, a performance he reprised in subsequent Gundam projects, including video games like the Dynasty Warriors Gundam series.[1][4] His distinctive baritone voice became a staple in anime and Western animation, featuring roles such as Colonel Volcott O. Huey in Galaxy Angel, multiple characters (including Goshinki and Byakko) in Inuyasha, Takeshi Ooi in Death Note, Beast (Hank McCoy) in X-Men: Evolution, and additional parts in series like Dragon Ball Z and Ninjago.[1][4][2] In live-action, Kopsa appeared in high-profile projects including the sci-fi series The X-Files (as Rick Culver in 1997), Stargate SG-1 (as General Kerrigan), Smallville, and Fringe (as Captain Windmark), alongside films such as Fantastic Four (2005, as Ned Cecil), Watchmen (2008, as Paul Klein), Hard Core Logo (1996), and 3000 Miles to Graceland (2001).[2][1][3] He also starred in numerous Hallmark Channel movies, including Valentine in the Vineyard, Marrying Father Christmas, and Love in Winterland, showcasing his range in romantic and dramatic genres.[2] Kopsa, who resided in Vancouver at the time of his death from a brain tumor, was also a skilled carpenter, musician, and painter, and was the father of one daughter, Nora.[2][1]Early life and education
Family background
Michael Kopsa was born on January 22, 1956, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to parents Milutin "Mile" Kopsa and Thelma Cade.[5] His father, Milutin Kopsa, was born on June 11, 1922, in Belgrade, Yugoslavia (now Serbia), and worked as an architect after graduating from the University of Belgrade's Faculty of Architecture in 1948; he emigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled in Toronto, where he designed prominent structures including the Yugoslav Pavilion at Expo 67 in Montreal and the Brantford City Hall.[6][7] Kopsa grew up in Toronto alongside his sister, Maxine Kopsa, in a family shaped by his father's Serbian heritage and professional life in architecture.[5]Acting training
Kopsa pursued formal acting training at the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York City, attending for four years and completing his training in 1984.[8] Upon completing his training, Kopsa returned to Canada and finished an arts and sciences degree at the University of Toronto.[8] This period solidified his commitment to acting as a career, building on the techniques acquired in New York to prepare for professional opportunities.Professional career
Theatre work
Michael Kopsa began his professional acting career in theatre, establishing himself as a prominent figure in Canada's regional stage scene during the 1980s and 1990s. He was a member of the Rocky Mountain Shakespeare Company in Lake Louise, Alberta, where he performed in several Shakespearean productions, including the role of Angelo in Measure for Measure, as well as appearances in As You Like It, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Twelfth Night.[9] In Vancouver, Kopsa was involved with the Savage God theatre company as part of its Shakespeare Project ensemble, contributing to the city's alternative theatre landscape during this period.[9] His work extended to other notable Vancouver venues, where he took on roles in productions such as Hamlet, The Gist, and Hospitality Suite at Pacific Theatre, as well as Patience at the Belfry Theatre and Salvador at the Cultch Theatre.[9] These performances highlighted his versatility in classical and contemporary Canadian plays, often emphasizing complex character dynamics in intimate repertory settings. Kopsa's theatre contributions in the 1980s and 1990s reflected the journeyman nature of his early career, as he balanced ensemble work across remote and urban stages to build his reputation in the Canadian theatre community.[9] By the late 1990s, he began transitioning to other media, leveraging his stage-honed skills in film, television, and voice acting while maintaining select theatre engagements.[9]Live-action and voice roles
Kopsa's screen career began with live-action roles in the mid-1980s, debuting in the Canadian film Timing in 1985, where he played the character Steven.[8] By the late 1980s, he appeared in supporting parts in Canadian and U.S. television productions, including episodes of series such as T and T and Highlander: The Series, establishing a foundation in genre and drama formats.[10] These early appearances often cast him as authoritative figures or ensemble players, reflecting his training in theatre while transitioning to on-camera work.[11] Throughout his career, Kopsa amassed over 200 acting credits spanning film, television, and voice-over, with a strong emphasis on science fiction, drama, and action genres.[12] His live-action roles frequently positioned him as military officers, executives, or antagonists in shows like The X-Files, Stargate SG-1, and Smallville, contributing to Vancouver's burgeoning film industry hub.[13] In the 1990s, Kopsa shifted toward voice acting prominence, specializing in dubbing for anime, animation, and narration projects.[1] This pivot allowed him to leverage his resonant baritone for character-driven performances, beginning with high-profile anime dubs and extending to Western animations.[8] Kopsa's relocation to Vancouver in 1994 marked a pivotal milestone, opening doors to Hollywood-adjacent opportunities as the city became a key production center for U.S. network television and films.[8] This move facilitated recurring guest spots on American series filmed locally, such as his portrayal of General Kerrigan on Stargate SG-1, and enhanced his access to voice studios amid the rise of syndicated sci-fi programming.[11] Over time, Kopsa's roles evolved from peripheral supporting characters in live-action to iconic voice characterizations that defined his legacy in animation and gaming.[2] His theatre-honed versatility enabled deeper immersion in vocal performances, transforming initial bit parts into enduring archetypes across international media.[10]Awards and recognition
Michael Kopsa received the 2012 Jessie Richardson Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in the Small Theatre category for his portrayal in Pound of Flesh Theatre's production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot.[14] In recognition of his voice acting contributions, Kopsa earned two nominations at the 2016 Behind The Voice Actors Awards for his role as Baron Von Ravendale in Barbie in Princess Power, including in the category of Best Male Vocal Performance in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Short.[15] Kopsa was honored with the John Juliani Award of Excellence from UBCP/ACTRA in 2022, acknowledging his accumulative outstanding body of work as a performing artist and his distinguished contributions to the film and television industry in Canada.[16]Personal life
Family and relationships
Kopsa was formerly married to actress Lucia Frangione, with whom he shared a close personal and professional bond.[2][8] The couple had one daughter, Eleanora Lynne Kopsa, known as Nora.[5][1] Kopsa and Frangione collaborated on the 2009 short film Pop Switch, written by Frangione, in which Kopsa portrayed Frank opposite Frangione's Estelle in a story exploring late-in-life parenthood.[17][18] Following his relocation to Vancouver in 1994, Kopsa built his family life in the city, raising Nora there while pursuing his acting career in the local industry. He was survived by his partner, Lynne Pruner.[8][5][5]Interests outside acting
Beyond his professional pursuits in acting, Michael Kopsa maintained a deep interest in carpentry, which served as a hands-on creative outlet during his personal time, allowing him to craft and build as a counterbalance to his performative work.[5] Family members described him as a superb carpenter, noting how this skill contributed to his multifaceted artistic expression outside the spotlight.[8] Kopsa was also an accomplished musician. Earlier in his life, in Toronto, he channeled his talent into leading music worship sessions at correctional facilities alongside the Catholic Newman Centre, a voluntary endeavor that intersected with his personal values and provided fulfillment away from acting commitments.[5] This musical involvement highlighted his ability to connect through performance in non-professional settings. Additionally, painting emerged as another key hobby for Kopsa, offering a solitary and introspective form of artistry that complemented his broader creative pursuits.[5] Described by those close to him as an accomplished painter, this pursuit allowed him to explore visual expression independently, further underscoring his renaissance-like versatility in personal endeavors.[8]Death and legacy
Illness and death
In 2022, Kopsa was diagnosed with a brain tumor and fought a courageous battle against the illness.[5][19] He died on October 23, 2022, at the age of 66 in Vancouver, where he had long resided.[5][8][20] Kopsa's death from complications related to the brain tumor was announced by his former wife, actress Lucia Frangione, on Twitter (now X), who described him as "my dear friend and the father of my child, Nora."[13][2][8] A memorial service was held on November 18, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. at Trattoria in the Italian Cultural Centre, located at 3075 Slocan Street in Vancouver; in lieu of flowers, donations were requested to The Cottage Hospice or the Brain Tumor Association of Canada.[5]Tributes and influence
Following Michael Kopsa's death on October 23, 2022, his ex-wife, actress Lucia Frangione, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, describing him as "the great Michael Kopsa, my dear friend and the father of my child, Nora," and emphasizing his multifaceted roles: "He was an incredible stage and screen actor, voice actor, carpenter, musician and painter. Most importantly, he was a loving and richly present father."[1] Colleagues in the industry also paid tribute to Kopsa, highlighting his personal warmth and professional impact. Voice actor Peter Kelamis wrote, "I lost a friend today. Many of us did. A friend who was admired and loved. I shall miss him terribly. Rest in peace Michael," reflecting on their shared admiration within the voice acting community.[21] Similarly, actor Mackenzie Gray, a longtime friend from high school, remembered Kopsa as "an extraordinary man" with "chiselled good looks, piercing blue eyes, a voice like Richard Burton’s, and an incredible gentleness," noting their musical collaborations where Kopsa excelled on harmonica in Gray's band, The Rekkertz.[22] The Hallmark Channel, where Kopsa appeared in films like Marrying Father Christmas and Valentine in the Vineyard, issued an official statement honoring him as "a friend and colleague to many," stating, "today we honor the legacy of Michael Kopsa. Always in our hearts."[23] Fans echoed these sentiments on social media platforms, posting tributes that celebrated his legacy, with many sharing memories of his commanding presence in roles across genres and expressing condolences to his family.[24] Kopsa's influence endures in voice acting, particularly in anime, animation, and video games, where his deep, resonant voice brought iconic characters to life, such as Char Aznable in Mobile Suit Gundam and Beast in X-Men: Evolution.[21] His work extended to series like Dragon Ball Z, Inuyasha, and Lego Ninjago, establishing him as a major figure in North American adaptations of Japanese media and Western animation.[1] Industry reflections underscore Kopsa's versatility across over 227 credits, spanning live-action television, film, and extensive voice work that showcased his range from authoritative villains to nuanced heroes.[1] Colleagues and outlets have noted his dedication to storytelling and ability to embody diverse characters, leaving a lasting mark on genre entertainment.[22]Filmography
Anime
Michael Kopsa was renowned for his portrayal of Char Aznable, the enigmatic and charismatic antagonist-turned-antihero in the English dub of the original Mobile Suit Gundam television series, which aired from 1979 to 1980 and laid the foundation for the mecha genre's enduring popularity.[4][25] His performance captured Char's complex duality—strategic brilliance masking personal vendettas—across 43 episodes, influencing subsequent dubs and earning acclaim for bringing depth to one of anime's most iconic characters.[26] Kopsa reprised the role in the 1988 feature film Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack, further solidifying his impact on the franchise's legacy in Western audiences.[4] Kopsa frequently lent his deep, authoritative voice to commanding figures in mecha and sci-fi anime, including the stern Colonel Volcott O. Huey in the comedic Galaxy Angel series, where he voiced the character across multiple seasons from 2001 to 2004, contributing to the show's blend of parody and action.[4] His other credits often featured supporting roles in high-profile dubs, emphasizing tactical leaders and antagonists in genres aligned with his strengths. Below is a chronological selection of his anime dubbing roles:- Mobile Suit Gundam (TV, 1979–1980) – Char Aznable (Casval Rem Deikun), Howard, Reporting Ireland Officer B, Side 7 Refugee A, Solomon Soldier B[4]
- Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade (movie, 1999) – Hajime Handa[4]
- Melty Lancer: The Animation (OAV, 1999) – Collins[4]
- Master Keaton (OAV, 1999–2003) – John (ep. 34), Medovich (ep. 27), Narrator, Sam (ep. 36), Swan (eps. 38–39)[4]
- Inuyasha (TV, 2000–2004) – Byakko (eps. 137–139), Goshinki (eps. 43, 53), Goza (eps. 145, 156), Gozu, Refugee (ep. 149)[4]
- MegaMan NT Warrior (TV, 2001–2002) – PharaohMan[4]
- Arjuna (TV, 2001) – Wong's Assistant (ep. 8)[4]
- Project ARMS (TV, 2001) – Kabuto[4]
- Project ARMS: The 2nd Chapter (TV, 2001–2002) – Detective Koichi Kabuto[4]
- Star Ocean EX (TV, 2001) – King Cross, Ronix J. Kenni[4]
- Galaxy Angel (TV, 2001) – Colonel Volcott O. Huey, Doctor (ep. 11), Roulette Dealer (ep. 2)[4]
- Galaxy Angel Z (TV, 2002) – Colonel Volcott O. Huey[4]
- Galaxy Angel A (TV, 2002) – Captain Kirikamuro (ep. 10), Carlos (ep. 24), Lt. Colonel Volcott[4]
- Master Keaton (TV, 2003) – Karol, Narrator, Prof. Amada, Richard Connelly[4]
- Galaxy Angel S (special, 2003) – Volcott O. Huey[4]
- Human Crossing (TV, 2003) – Kurokawa, Prosecutor (ep. 13), Reporter[4]
- Rockman.EXE Axess (TV, 2003–2004) – LaserMan[4]
- Galaxy Angel X (TV, 2004) – Colonel Volcott O. Huey[4]
- Tetsujin 28-go (TV, 2004) – Nikkoponski (eps. 18–20, 22), Professor Shikishima[4]
- Elemental Gelade (TV, 2005) – Flak[4]
- Starship Operators (TV, 2005) – Captain Wong, Shu Soldier[4]
- Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex – The Laughing Man (OAV, 2005) – Nanao, Prime Minister[4]
- Death Note (TV, 2006–2007) – Takeshi Ooi[4]
- .hack//Roots (TV, 2006) – Ovan[4]
- The Story of Saiunkoku (TV, 2006–2008) – Doctor To, Governor of Haku Province (ep. 3), Narrator, Sa Family Member (ep. 34), Shoka Hong[4]
- Mobile Suit Gundam 00 (TV, 2007–2008) – Aeolia Schenberg, Engineer (ep. 5)[4]
- Death Note Relight: Visions of a God (special, 2007) – Takeshi Ooi[4]
- Ultraviolet: Code 044 (TV, 2008) – Sakuza[4]
- Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail (OAV, 2010) – Diego Jose San Fernando Lovelace (eps. 1, 4), Garraty (ep. 5)[4]
- Mobile Suit Gundam 00 the Movie: A Wakening of the Trailblazer (movie, 2010) – Aeolia Schenberg[4]
- Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (movie, 1988, dubbed 2002) – Char Aznable[4]