Voice of Tony the Tiger Lee Marshall Dead at 64

May 8, 2014— -- Lee Marshall, best known as the voice of Tony the Tiger, died on April 26, the LA Times reported today and Kellogg confirmed. He was 64.

The legendary voice-over actor had esophageal cancer and died at Santa Monica hospital, his son told the newspaper.

“They’re grrrrrreat!” was the signature catch phrase that Marshall started saying in 1999. In 2005, Marshall replaced Thurl Ravenscroft, who had voiced the character since the 1950's. Ravenscroft was the first actor to voice the iconic character.

Marshall had also worked as a radio DJ, news anchor and sports broadcaster.

“We are saddened by the loss of Lee Marshall. His talent and warmth helped bring Tony the Tiger to life and will always be fondly remembered," a spokesperson for Kellogg told ABC News.

Marshall is survived by his wife, Judie, son Jason Marshall VanBorssum, stepdaughter Eve Borders Ottis and granddaughter Kate.