The anime and film community is mourning the loss of veteran sound editor and director R.J. Kizer, who passed away on August 12 at the age of 73 following a battle with glioblastoma. His family confirmed that no public funeral will be held, though a memorial is currently being planned to celebrate his extensive life and career.
While Kizer built a monumental legacy across major Hollywood cinema—earning ten Golden Reel Award nominations and winning for his exceptional work on War for the Planet of the Apes and Disney's original The Lion King—his impressive resume also touched foundational anime history. Early in his career, he contributed sound editing to the English dub of the iconic 1969 Galaxy Express 999 feature film, helping bridge international cinematic worlds.
A Multifaceted Career in Film
Beyond his mastery of audio post-production across more than 100 projects including Deadpool, Bad Boys for Life, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Kizer left a distinct directorial footprint. He directed feature films such as Death Ring and Hell Comes to Frogtown, and famously helmed the American-produced footage incorporated into 1985's Godzilla 1985.
His industry impact extended far beyond the editing bay. Kizer dedicated considerable service to the broader filmmaking community, serving two terms on the Motion Picture Academy Sound Branch Executive Committee and acting as the inaugural Chair of the Sound Branch Museum Subcommittee. His enduring dedication to acoustic storytelling leaves an indelible mark on both Western blockbusters and the international exchange of anime media.
