Uncle Iroh has undoubtedly been a fan-favorite and one of the most likable characters from the 2005 show Avatar: The Last Airbender. Played by the Japanese voiceover artist Mako Iwamatsu for two seasons, the actor injected the character of Iroh with wisdom and warmth. Unfortunately, by 2006, the role went over to American actor Greg Baldwin.
The Oscar-nominated actor, Mako Iwamatsu who dedicated his life to nurturing talents unfortunately passed away in 2006, due to cancer at the age of 72. He not only brought the character of Uncle Iroh to life but also played the voice of the villain Aku in the cartoon Samurai Jack. Thereafter, following his death, Greg Baldwin was forced to replace Iwamatsu in The Last Airbender as well as Samurai Jack.
Mako Iwamatsu’s Untimely Death Forced Uncle Iroh to Be Recast
Mako Iwamatsu’s incredible and versatile voice isn’t the only thing that makes him a fan-favorite artist. The Japanese actor’s dedication towards his stagecraft as the founder of the theatre group – East West Players company, and his unwavering focus on nurturing young talents is something that got him praised.
Further, when he offered his voice for the role of Uncle Iroh in the 2005 animated show Avatar: The Last Airbender, Mako Iwamatsu became a popular icon. His wisdom and warmth successfully turned Uncle Iroh into a fan-favorite and one of the most likable characters from the show. Apart from The Last Airbender, Iwamatsu also played the role of the villain Aku in the cartoon Samurai Jack.
Having a versatile voice that not only served as a soothing guide for Zuko in Avatar: The Last Airbender, but also offered a convincing aggression as Aku, Mako Iwamatsu became an irreplaceable icon. However, things changed as the actor sadly passed away due to cancer at the age of 72, in 2006. Losing his life in his battle against cancer, before finishing his work for the final season of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Iwamatsu forced the studio to replace him.
Despite being an exceptional talent, Mako Iwamatsu’s untimely death sadly forced the role of Uncle Iroh to be recast. While fans were struggling to cope with the actor’s untimely death, they were brought down to their knees with the report of Samurai Jack looking to recast an actor for the role of Aku, just like in Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Greg Baldwin Replaced Mako Iwamatsu in Two Cult Classic Shows
By 2006, unfortunately, things changed for the fans of the cult classic animated shows as well as the directors and the studio associated with Avatar: The Last Airbender and Samurai Jack. Following the death of Oscar-nominated actor Mako Iwamatsu, the two shows were forced to replace him, due to his unfinished work. Eventually, American actor Greg Baldwin came as a savior as he flawlessly scooped the role of Uncle Iroh.
After offering a convincing replacement for Mako Iwamatsu’s Uncle Iroh, he was later eyed by writer-director Genndy Tartakovsky of Samurai Jack. According to his interview with The Verge, Tartakovsky noted how he was initially hesitant to cast Greg Baldwin as Aku and even thought of using a different character entirely. But after he offered a chance to Baldwin, his views changed.
“It was hard. For a while, I thought we should reimagine Aku with a different voice, perhaps even use a different character. But then I realized I love Aku too much, so we auditioned a few people, and Greg really did the best job. Honestly, nobody can replace Mako, he was that special, that unique, especially the performance he made for Aku.”
“But Greg did really well. On the last episode, Mako’s daughter and grandson came by, and they watched him record, and they were crying. It was really amazing, because they heard the voice of their dad and grandfather.”
Eventually, Greg Baldwin became the only suitable successor of the Japanese legend Mako Iwamatsu in two cult classic animated shows. Initially earning his part by auditioning for Avatar: The Last Airbender where he offered his voice for brief pieces of dialogue, Baldwin eventually voiced the character full-time for the final season. Further, he succeeded Iwamatsu in voicing Aku in the 2009 video game. Finally, the video game led Baldwin to reprise the role of Aku for the fifth season of Samurai Jack.
