| Profile Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jefferson Utanes |
| Popular Name | Jeff Utanes |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Profession | Voice Actor, Voice Director |
| Age at Passing Away | 46 years |
| Known For | Tagalog voice of Son Goku (Dragon Ball Z) |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Wife | Not disclosed |
| Parents | Not publicly disclosed |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Status | Passed away |
Who Was Jeff Utanes?
Jeff Utanes, whose full name was Jefferson Utanes, was a highly respected Filipino voice actor and voice director best known for bringing life to iconic anime characters for Filipino audiences. He became especially famous as the Tagalog voice of Son Goku in Dragon Ball Z, a role that earned him the affectionate nickname “Goku ng Pinas.”
Over the years, his voice became deeply woven into the childhood and teenage memories of countless anime fans in the Philippines, making him one of the most recognizable figures in the local dubbing industry.
Early Life and Background
Jeff Utanes was born and raised in the Philippines. While details about his early childhood, parents, and upbringing were kept largely private, his passion for voice performance and storytelling became evident early in his career.
Rather than seeking public attention for his personal life, Utanes chose to let his work speak for itself, focusing on excellence behind the microphone and in the recording studio.
Voice Acting Career and Achievements
Jeff Utanes had an extensive and versatile career, voicing over 50 characters across anime series, foreign dramas, radio programs, and Filipino-dubbed films. His ability to shift tone, emotion, and personality made him a favorite among studios and directors.
Some of his most notable voice roles include:
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Son Goku – Dragon Ball Z
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Doraemon – Doraemon
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Yami Yugi – Yu-Gi-Oh!
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Kouya Marino – Crush Gear Turbo
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Sai Argyle & Yzak Joule – Gundam Seed series
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Kousei Arima – Your Lie in April
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Okarun – Dandadan (his final anime role)
Beyond voice acting, Jeff Utanes also worked as a voice director, contributing to the Filipino adaptations of popular anime such as Haikyuu, Kuroko’s Basketball, Death Note, Free! Iwatobi Swim Club, and Love Live! Sunshine.
He additionally lent his voice to local television programs, radio dramas, and international streaming projects, including shows distributed by platforms like Netflix.
Health Struggles and Cause of Passing Away
Jeff Utanes passed away at the age of 46. While his family did not officially disclose a specific medical cause, he had openly shared his long battle with chronic kidney disease on his verified Facebook page, “Goku ng Pinas.”
In the weeks leading up to his passing, he also underwent coronary angioplasty, which indicated ongoing health challenges. His openness about his condition inspired many fans, who admired his strength, honesty, and dedication to work despite personal struggles.
Wife, Family, and Parents
Jeff Utanes kept his family life very private. Information about his wife, children, and parents has not been publicly disclosed, a choice that has been widely respected by fans and colleagues.
What is clear, however, is that he was deeply loved by his family and supported throughout his health journey, as confirmed by announcements shared after his passing.
Religion
Jeff Utanes did not publicly discuss his religious beliefs, and as such, his religion remains undisclosed. He was, however, known for his humility, kindness, and respect toward others—qualities often highlighted by those who worked closely with him.
Age at the Time He Passed Away
Jeff Utanes passed away at 46 years old, a loss felt deeply across the Philippine entertainment and anime communities.
Net Worth
Jeff Utanes’ net worth was not publicly disclosed. As a seasoned voice actor and director, his earnings came from dubbing projects, voice directing, radio dramas, television work, and streaming-related productions. Despite his success, he lived a relatively modest and private life.
Legacy and Impact
Jeff Utanes left behind a powerful legacy as one of the most influential voices in Filipino anime dubbing. His performances shaped generations of viewers, and his work continues to live on through the characters he voiced.
Fans, fellow voice actors, and studios continue to honor his memory, celebrating not only his talent but also his courage and professionalism throughout his career.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Jeff Utanes still alive?
No, Jeff Utanes has passed away.
How old was Jeff Utanes when he passed away?
He was 46 years old.
What was Jeff Utanes known for?
He was best known as the Tagalog voice of Son Goku in Dragon Ball Z.
Was the cause of his passing away disclosed?
No official cause was announced, but he had been battling chronic kidney disease.
Was Jeff Utanes married?
His marital status was not publicly disclosed.
Conclusion
Jeff Utanes was more than a voice actor—he was a storyteller whose voice brought joy, courage, and emotion to millions. Though he has passed away, his contributions to anime, television, and Filipino dubbing culture remain timeless.
His legacy continues every time fans hear the familiar voice of their favorite characters, reminding them of the man who helped shape an era of animated storytelling in the Philippines.
