This Iconic GTA Character Has Appeared in Every Game Since 2001 — But Not GTA 6

If you've played any Grand Theft Auto game in the past two decades, you've likely heard the neurotic ramblings of Lazlow Jones, even if you don't know him by his real-life name. The fictional radio host has been a staple of the series since Grand Theft Auto III in 2001, providing countless hours of satirical entertainment across Liberty City, Vice City, and Los Santos.

What's that saying about all good things? When Grand Theft Auto 6 launches in May 2026, longtime fans will be the first to notice Lazlow's glowing absence. For all the rumors that we'll get DJ Khaled, Travis Scott, and even T-Pain, in GTA 6, this "confirmation" stings the most.

In a recent interview with Nerd Reactor, Jeffrey Crawford Jones, better known as Lazlow, confirmed what many fans feared. When asked about appearing in GTA 6, his response was candid and bittersweet.

The reason is simple: Lazlow left Rockstar Games in 2020, following the departure of co-founder Dan Houser. After two decades of helping shape one of gaming's most successful franchises, both veterans decided it was time for something new.

Mind you, Lazlow wasn't just another voice actor reading lines. He was a writer, producer, and creative force who helped define the satirical tone that made the best-selling franchise famous in the first place.

His journey with the series began in GTA III, where he hosted Chatterbox FM, after which the character evolved over the years. In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, he appeared as an intern at V-Rock radio station.

By Grand Theft Auto IV, he had his own show where he interviewed Liberty City residents. His role expanded even further in Grand Theft Auto V, where he finally appeared on-screen in actual missions, playing a sleazy reality TV host who gets humiliated by the game's protagonists.

The timing of this revelation is significant. GTA 6 will be the first mainline entry in the series developed without Dan Houser's involvement, as he and other Rockstar veterans, including Lazlow, have since founded Absurd Ventures.

While Rockstar retains many talented developers and writers — and as projects like MindsEye have shown, it takes more than a single person to create a best-selling franchise — the departure of key creative voices who shaped the series for two decades marks a notable transition. This has led to community discussion about the creative direction of GTA 6.

This creative shift coincides with reports that Rockstar is preparing to add age verification checks to Grand Theft Auto Online. There is speculation that such a system could potentially be applied to older games in the series and to GTA 6.

Although the first trailer and second trailer for GTA 6 suggest the series' signature humor remains, the absence of these key figures represents a notable change for the franchise.

For his part, Lazlow appears content with his decision. In the interview, he spoke fondly of his time at Rockstar, calling it an amazing journey. He also expressed enthusiasm for his current work at Absurd Ventures.

When GTA 6 arrives next year, players will explore a new version of Vice City and stroll down Vice Beach with stunning graphics, especially on the PS5 Pro, innovative gameplay, and high production values. For the first time in a mainline entry since 2001, they will do so without hearing Lazlow's familiar voice on the radio.