Hennessey gained a devoted fan base with his memorable voice performances. He brought beloved characters to life, including Braveheart Lion in the 1980s Care Bears series, Chief Quimby in Inspector Gadget, and Father Bear in the 1990s Little Bear. He also contributed behind the scenes as the voice director for the X-Men animated series in the 1990s.

In a statement, his family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and shared how much his work resonated with audiences. “His voice gave comfort to generations, bringing characters like Braveheart Lion and Father Bear to life with his vibrant and kind-hearted spirit,” the family shared.

Hennessey’s expansive career included roles like Chef Truffles in Babar, Roy “Bully” Koopa in The Adventures of Super Mario Bros., and Ruckus in X-Men: The Animated Series. He also voiced characters in numerous other popular shows, including RoboCop, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, ALF: The Animated Series, Beetlejuice, C.O.P.S., Dog City, My Pet Monster, and The Adventures of Tintin.

Fans and colleagues alike took to social media to pay tribute to the cherished actor. Many reminisced about his impact on their childhoods, with one fan saying, “I just started watching Care Bears and Little Bear with my child. R.I.P to another legendary voice.” Another fan shared, “Braveheart Lion was my favorite Care Bear Cousin, and Dan Hennessey’s voice made him unforgettable.”

Adrian Hough, who voiced Nightcrawler in X-Men: The Animated Series, also honored Hennessey, describing him as a pivotal figure in the series. “This is heartbreaking news. RIP to Dan Hennessey, who played such a key role in X-Men. We all mourn his loss,” Hough wrote.

Hennessey is survived by his wife, Patricia, and their daughters, Skye and Eden.