Lee Weaver, Voice of Alpine in G.I. Joe Anime, Passes Away at 95

Actor Lee Weaver passed away on September 22. He was 95 years old and had spent more than six decades entertaining audiences across American television and film.

Anime fans may recognize him as the voice of Alpine in the Toei Animation produced G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, the beloved U.S. series that ran from 1983 to 1986. He reprised the role in the 1987 theatrical film G.I. Joe: The Movie.

Weaver built an impressive career in live action work alongside his animation credits. He is well remembered for roles in The Bill Cosby Show and Easy Street, as well as his recurring character Buck Naked in Hill Street Blues and NYPD Blue. He also appeared in classic series including Sanford and Son, Good Times, The Jeffersons, and Starsky and Hutch. Later in his career he turned up in guest roles on Fresh Prince of Bel Air, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Grace and Frankie. He also appeared in the Coen brothers film O Brother, Where Art Thou?

Born in Florida in 1930, Weaver enlisted in the U.S. Army at 22 and completed four years of service. Before finding his footing in acting during the mid 1950s, he worked as a linotype engineer at The New York Times and as a promoter at the famous Birdland jazz club in New York City.

My take: Lee Weaver had a wonderfully full career that touched animation, drama, comedy, and film over more than six decades. It is a nice reminder of how connected the worlds of anime production and American voice acting have always been.