'RIP to the man the myth the legend': Fans mourn 'Max Payne' voice actor James McCaffrey after death at 65

LARCHMONT, NEW YORK: The world of video gaming is mourning the loss of a titan after James McCaffrey, the unforgettable voice of 'Max Payne', died at 65.

His unique vocal talent and memorable performances left an indelible mark, and his absence is being deeply felt by fans around the globe.

He is being fondly remembered as "the man, the myth, the legend", underscoring his lasting impact on video game culture.

How did 'Max Payne' voice actor James McCaffrey die?

The icon who acted in both film and television for decades reportedly died at his residence in Larchmont, New York, on Sunday, December 17.

He had been battling multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer, a fact confirmed by his wife and fellow actor, Rochelle Boström. A representative for McCaffrey has informed that the actor lost his battle with the disease and died in the presence of loved ones, as reported by TMZ.

His rep stated, "One of Dick Wolf's proteges (""Swift Justice), McCaffrey went on to a successful 35 year career in television and film. Trained at the Actor's Studio, he never lost his love for creating characters; however, his good looks often pushed him toward leading man roles."

News of McCaffrey's death initially circulated via a post from Kevin Dillon, star of 'Entourage', who paid tribute to his friend with a shared photograph and a heartfelt message.

"#rip James McCaffrey we were lucky to have known you. my best friend you will be missed 🙏🏼" he wrote. 

The 65-year-old McCaffrey leaves behind his wife, Rochelle Bostrom, and his daughter, Tiernan. 

James McCaffrey: A resounding voice in film and TV

The renowned actor first gained recognition in the police drama 'New York Undercover'.

He also made appearances in a variety of Dick Wolf shows including 'Swift Justice', 'Law and Order: Criminal Intent', 'Law and Order: SVU', as well as 'Viper', 'Sex and the City', 'As the World Turns', 'Madam Secretary', 'Jessica Jones', 'She's Gotta Have It', 'Revenge', and 'Blue Bloods'.

His journey in the film industry saw him in roles in 'The Truth About Cats and Dogs', 'Nick and Jane' and 'American Splendour'.

McCaffrey often expressed that his most cherished role was in 'Rescue Me', where he portrayed Jimmy Keefe, a New York firefighter who reportedly tragically died in the 9/11 attacks per Guardian. 

His character continued to haunt Denis Leary's protagonist throughout all seven seasons of the series.

James McCaffrey: The iconic voice behind Max Payne

McCaffrey's most notable role was arguably as the voice of Max Payne, a character who transitions from an NYPD officer to a DEA agent in his quest for vengeance for his slain wife and daughter.

He lent his voice to this character in all three installments of the Max Payne video games, released in 2001, 2003, and 2012.

The 2008 film adaptation saw Mark Wahlberg in the lead role, with McCaffrey making a special cameo appearance.

The voice of Max Payne, yet not a videogame lover

In an interview with Saratoga Living, he once confessed that he's never been a big enthusiast of video games.

He recalled his experience with Max Payne, stating, "The first time I did Max Payne, it was, like, six hours a day in a sound booth, and it was about 400 pages of script. But, I've never seen it, I've never played it, I have no desire to. I lack the proper appreciation for video games."

Tributes pour in for 'Max Payne' voice actor James McCaffrey

The global community is mourning the loss of James McCaffrey.

His extraordinary contributions to the video game industry have left a lasting legacy, and fans and peers alike are expressing their heartfelt condolences and paying tribute to this legendary figure.

"RIP to the man the myth the legend," a fan tweeted.

"This hurts man. May he rest in peace," said another.

"RIP, I loved the Max Payne games in my childhood," stated another.

"The Gaming Industry lost a Great talent," mentioned another.

An admirer noted, "RIP. Tragic loss. You brought entertainment to me as a child & I will never forget."

"Im feeling max pain after reading this," stated another. 

Joman, whose Facebook profile reads Musician/band wrote, "I’ve been playing the original Max Payne for the past few days. Out of curiosity, I googled who voiced Max last night. James McCaffrey. And they just announced his death today. He may very well have died around the time I was finding out who he was. So that’s weird."

A page on Facebook GTA Series Videos shared, "James McCaffrey, the talented voice behind Max Payne and many other characters in Remedy games, has passed away after a battle with cancer."

"He will be greatly missed, and his distinctive voice will be forever cherished and remembered," wrote a fan.

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