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Gloria Rocha, 'La Madrina' of Latin Dubbing and Director of Dragon Ball, Dies at 94

Colleagues confirmed her death on social media, with tributes highlighting her mentorship of generations across Latin American dubbing.

Overview

  • Rocha died on January 14, 2026—her 94th birthday—with the news confirmed by industry figures on X, including Lalo Garza and Carlos Olízar.
  • She directed the SpanishLatin dubs of Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z as well as Sailor Moon, Slam Dunk, and Sakura Card Captor, helping define their identities for regional audiences.
  • As a voice actor, she portrayed Miss Piggy in The Muppets, Velma in Scooby-Doo, Olive Oyl in Popeye, and Tweety in various productions.
  • Peers credit her with pivotal casting choices such as Mario Castañeda as Goku and René García as Vegeta, selections widely viewed as foundational to the franchise’s success in the region.
  • Her career began in the late 1950s at studios like Rivatón de América and CINSA, continued through Auditel until her 2012 retirement, and no official cause of death has been announced.