I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Kamina, from Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. He was just so...unbelievably charismatic. That he saw Simon as his inspiration gave his character depth as well, it didn't make his overbearing personality that of a mindless optimist, or an arrogant prick. Kamina was inspiring. I don't really go in for the "never give up!" types, but he was something special...
his death, and then his momentary return to talk with the adult Simon just before the final battle, made Gurren Lagann an anime more than worth watching.