William Dufris — American Voice Actor and Audiobook Narrator

Career and notable roles

Dufris built a reputation in English dubbing, supplying voices for translated anime and international cartoons. He is frequently cited for his work in translating character nuance from one language to another and for bringing energetic performances to a range of roles. His work covered ensemble casts, lead characters, and supporting parts across television and feature releases.

• Patlabor series — credited for dubbing Kataoka in the English versions of Patlabor: The Movie (1989) and its sequel (1993).
• Rocky and the Dodos — voiced characters such as Elvis and Dougan in the English-language edition.
• Children's television — provided the voice for Bob the Builder in some English-language broadcasts and related releases.

Style and medium

Beyond animation, Dufris was active as an audiobook narrator and voice-over artist, a field in which clarity, pacing, and character distinction are essential. His narration work encompassed fiction and non-fiction titles and reached listeners who rely on spoken-word recordings for accessibility and entertainment. He was frequently noted for a natural cadence and strong enunciation that made long listening sessions comfortable for audiences.

Legacy and context

While not a household name in all circles, Dufris had a steady influence within voice acting and audiobook communities. His efforts helped bring international animation to English-speaking viewers at a time when dubbed versions were a primary means for many to discover foreign storytelling. Colleagues and fans remember him for professionalism, versatility, and a willingness to tackle diverse projects.

Dufris died on March 24, 2020, after a battle with cancer, at the age of 62. Reports and remembrances of his career and life were shared by industry outlets and fans following his passing; further details and tributes are documented in several notice pages and biographical summaries noted in obituaries. For more on his body of work and specific credits, see resources that compile voice actor filmographies and audiobook listings, and summaries of his dubbing contributions to foreign cartoons and anime.