‘Frozen’ Voice Actress Unexpectedly Passes Away

in Movies & TV

Anna (left) and Elsa (right) in 'Frozen II'

Credit: DIsney

An actress well-known for her role as the voice of Princess Anna in the Japanese dub of Disney’s Frozen (2013) blockbuster has unexpectedly passed away at age 35.

sayaka kanda selfie
Credit: Sayaka Kanda Instagram

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Sayaka Kanda was also known for her recent voiceover work on Idoly Pride, Star Blazers 2202, and Convenience Store Boyfriends. People Magazine shared an English translation of details provided on Kanda’s official website:

According to the statement on Kanda’s website, which had [sic: has] replaced all previous content with the notice of her death, the actress “died suddenly” on Saturday.

The statement, which was written by the CEO of Robe Co., Kamaichi Mitsuhisa, also said that an investigation into her death is still being conducted.

anna (left) and elsa (right) hugging in frozen 2
Credit: Disney

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A Japanese news website, Kyodo News, reported additional details about the popular actress’s passing, noting that she was found unconscious in a hotel swimming pool at approximately 1 p.m. local time on Saturday, December 18 following an apparent fall from her room.

It is not known if Japanese authorities suspect foul play at this time.

Kanda was clearly passionate about her role as Anna, using the character — voiced by Kristen Bell in the English version of the movie — as her Instagram profile picture. Kanda had nearly 200,000 followers on her account, where an official death notice has not yet been posted at the time of publication.

kayaka sanda instagram profile screenshot
Credit: Screenshot via Sayaka Kanda Instagram

Related: Will Ryan, Disney Voice Actor, Dies at Age 72

More on Frozen

elsa with frozen anna
Credit: Disney

Related: Anna and Elsa Almost Weren’t Sisters in ‘Frozen’

The official description of Frozen reads:

Fearless optimist Anna teams up with rugged mountain man Kristoff and his loyal reindeer Sven in an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, will the trio find Elsa in time to save Arendelle?

Stay tuned to ITM for additional details about this developing story. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends of Sayaka Kanda.

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