Topics: Film and TV, US News, no-article-matching
Peter Robbins, the voice actor behind the beloved cartoon character Charlie Brown, has passed away at the age of 65.
Robbins, who voiced the 1960s Peanuts cartoon character of Charlie Brown, was confirmed to have died by his family on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.
They stated that the actor, who had bipolar disorder, died last week, and confirmed that his death was by suicide.
As a result of several criminal threats Robbins made, which he reflected on as being part of a 'manic phase' of his bipolar disorder, Robbins served nearly five years in prison, from 2015 to 2019, The Independent reports.
The actor also told the media he purchased a pitbull named Snoopy, two German sports cars, a mobile home and motor home, during this time.
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However, when the actor was released, he gave advice to others with bipolar disorder to take the condition 'seriously, because your life can turn around in the span of a month like it did to me'.
'I came out of prison and I'm a better person for it. I'm much more humble and grateful and thankful I lived through the experience,' he said.
Fans have since taken to social media to remember the star. One said: 'Oh my gosh I'm heartbroken, rest in glorious peace, Peter Robbins.'
'RIP to Peter Robbins, the first voice of Charlie Brown for A Charlie Brown Christmas. No matter how into animation you are, I think everyone on the planet has heard his voice. A legendary voice from a legendary person, that will be dearly missed, thank you for everything,' another wrote.
A third commented: 'I am saddened to hear that Peter Robbins, the first voice of Charlie Brown for A Charlie Brown Christmas passed away at age 65. Even after A Charlie Brown Christmas aired 57 years ago, his voice as Charlie Brown lives in our hearts forever.'
Robbins' was born in 1953, and by the age of seven he was starring as Elmer in The Munsters, before going on to first voice Charlie Brown when he was nine, starring in A Boy Named Charlie Brown. A Charlie Brown Christmas, Charlie Brown's All-Stars! and many others then followed.
While also buying a dog and naming it Snoopy in honour of the show, the actor got a tattoo of his character, who he deemed a childhood hero.
Alongside playing Brown, the actor also featured in Get Smart as 'Dr T,' and appeared in an episode called 'The Sergeant and the Kid' of the 1966 sitcom F Troop.
A date has not yet been set for the memorial service, which Robbins' family said would be held at some point in the future. They have requested that fans respect their privacy at this moment in time.
Featured Image Credit: AF Archive/Alamy/Getty Images
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