With the news of Paul Haddad’s death spreading, Resident Evil fans from all over have been flocking to Twitter to share their memories of one of the voice actor’s most iconic roles.
For those who are a bit out of the loop, here’s a quick recap. As we recently reported, Paul Haddad, the actor who voiced rookie Raccoon City Police Department cop Leon S. Kennedy in the original Resident Evil 2, passed away earlier this week at the age of 56. The news was originally shared by Invader Studios, an Italian game development company that collaborated with Haddad on their 2019 title, Daymare: 1998. While a cause of death has not been confirmed, there are reports floating around that Paul was battling stage-3 throat cancer.
Unsurprisingly, Twitter is chock-full of reactions, heartfelt comments, and even some impressive fan art from gamers, many of whom have fond memories for the original Resident Evil 2 and Haddad’s voiceover performance.
https://twitter.com/MissSmeghead/status/1251277092043526144
I wish I didn't have to bring you guys this news, but recently we lost a member of the Resident Evil family. Paul Haddad, the original voice of Leon, has passed away. I found out yesterday and couldn't believe it, I still can't. Just some of my favorite Leon moments. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/hinYeSAzgR
— Suzi Hunter (@TheSphereHunter) April 17, 2020
RIP PAUL HADDAD. The voice of Leon in RE2 1998. Your performance was one of the reasons Leon became one of my favourite characters of the series and helped shaped the portrayals of Leon afterwards.
"I will always remember you. Goodbye…" pic.twitter.com/emcSBeuAUy— Mack Winters (@BB_MACK) April 17, 2020
May You rest in peace, Mr. Paul Haddad. pic.twitter.com/i15TDqFGKY
— Mirouse (@reydols) April 17, 2020
Sad to hear that Paul Haddad passed away, RIP
— Sweet Tooth (@TheGreatEbag) April 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/armycop1973/status/1251297928729309184
R.I.P Paul Haddad what a kind man he was so genuine and friendly on your guys stream the man is an angel and will always be the OG Leon.
— Steven Slater (@Manwithagoldgun) April 17, 2020
This wont count for much but Paul Haddad, voice of Leon in resident evil 2 (1998) passed away reportedly due to throat cancer. Rip i didnt know him personally but still i am sad.
— cab (@cabotfox) April 17, 2020
No way 😱. I just got the news that the Voice Actor from my favorite character from RE Paul Haddad who did Leon S.Kennedy, has died😭
-This week we lost 2 legends keiji Fujiwara and Paul Haddad 😭. Both from cancer. This week can't get any worst. #RIPPaulHaddad #RIPKeijiFujiwara— LAWofCASUALTY 🤍35,19❤️🖤 (@5Hanser) April 17, 2020
R.I.P. Paul Haddad 😢 https://t.co/dcM2NgknD8
— Tarek Abousweid (@GhostNinjaZero) April 17, 2020
While Haddad might best be remembered for his role in the original release of Resident Evil 2, he’s been credited with close to 50 different parts, per his IMDb page. Fans of children’s television shows from the ’90s and 2000s will be interested to hear that Paul had recurring roles in Babar, Rupert, The Adventures of Tintin, The Busy World of Richard Scarry, and Franklin. Interestingly, he also voiced a handful of characters on X-Men: The Animated Series, including Quicksilver/Pietro Maximoff and Arkon.
While he might not have reprised his role as Leon S. Kennedy in future installments of the Resident Evil games, it’s quite clear that Haddad will not be forgotten anytime soon, and that his work has touched the hearts and minds of gamers all over.
