Actor Lance Reddick has had an impressive career in film and television, but is probably best known to gamers for his role as Commander Zavala, the Titan Vanguard of the Destiny games. He took on this role not only within the development studio, but also on his own: in 2021, when asked to read a meme for Destiny 2 in Zavala's voice, he said "yes."

Here's a clip of "Lance talking to Lance" from a Destiny 2 play session in 2022:

Reddick's dedication to Destiny 2 and its community made him a fan favorite. Following his passing earlier today, players gathered at the Tower to pay tribute to him and the character he played: the silent father of the Tower, Zavala.

Tim Clark, perhaps PC Gamer's most avid Destiny 2 player, filmed Destiny 2 players surrounding and saluting Zavala from a vantage point in the Tower (opens in new tab) Clark said that in any instance loaded, players gathered around Zavala, often kneeling or using appropriate emotes, he said.

(The sad swing seemed to be his favorite.)

Liana Rupper, community manager at Bungie, shared an image of Zavala in a post shortly after Reddick's death was reported.

Destiny fans also paid tribute to Reddick and his character Zavala in the Destiny subreddit (opens in new tab). Some also hope that Zavala's character will have a proper ending in Destiny, rather than a new voice actor.

"The story is where it is plausible that Zavala dies," redditor AssassinAragorn wrote." That would and should be a very impactful change in the game.

"Lance was an integral part of Destiny and loved playing the game itself, memeing with us, and generally interacting with players. It would be a huge gut punch for the game, and it would be fitting and poetic to have that in the game as well. As we grieve his passing, so do the characters in the game. We are saddened by the loss of Lance/Zavala because he was so important to Destiny/Guardians."

Bungie himself issued a statement on Twitter (opens in new tab) this afternoon:

"Lance Reddick was iconic on screen, in Destiny, and most importantly, personally. His love for our community shone through in Commander Zavala, in his uncompromising dedication to his craft, and in the radiant kindness with which he touched those around him. To say that he will be missed is an understatement, but no less true. Rest in peace, Lance."

Below are images shared by the Destiny 2 community of players paying tribute to Reddick and Zavala.