Shawshank Redemtion voice actor Figueira Júnior died on June 27 at the age of 60 following an "acute myocardial heart attack" The news was confirmed in a statement by his family on his Instagram page. They asked for privacy as they penned: "It is with deep sorrow that the family informs the passing of Figueira Junior, which occurred yesterday, as a result of an acute myocardial heart attack.

"Throughout his life, Figueira built a trajectory marked by talent, generosity and joy. As an actor, voice actor, director and friend, he left his voice and his heart imprinted in the memory of countless people, in addition to the affection and admiration of family, friends, professional colleagues and fans. In this time of immense pain, the family thanks all the manifestations Tyyy of affection, prayers and messages of affection that they have received...[His] legacy will live on in his art, in his history and in all the hearts that had the privilege of knowing him."

The star had recently changed medication for his heart condition, and according to his friend fellow voice actor Tania Gaidarji, he was "happy and hopeful" in recent times.

Paying tribute, she posted an image of the pair together and wrote: "My great friend @figueira_junior left us. He came to visit me several times at the Heart Institute and we took these photos on Thursday last week, a day before my surgery. He was giving me strength and calming me down. And he was happy and hopeful because he was taking a new medication, also for the heart."

The Brazilian voice acting star was an icon in his native Brazil. He dubbed Paul McCrane's Shawshank Redemption character Guard Trout and also lent his voice to 1984's The Karate Kid and 1994's Léon: The Professional.

Tributes flooded in for the star as fans learned the sad news. Commenting on the family's statement, one penned: "May our dear Figueira follow in the light. May God comfort you all. He was a good person. We will miss you."

Another added: "Dear Figueira always cheerful and generous. My condolences to the family, lots of strength at this moment."

A third chimed in: I" am so sorry. Fig was a great friend. We met in the 1990s on the stages of São Paulo. A great professional and friend. My condolences to the family members for sure that the path of Figueira will be one of the light and next to the Lord!"

Meanwhile a fourth shared: "I'm very sad to hear this news. I grew up watching Futurama and Dragon Ball and his voice, the passion he gave to the characters he created was remarkable. The world loses another amazing voice, but one that will never be forgotten because it has and will continue to be a part of the childhoods of many people. Condolences to family & friends May you rest in peace!"