Peter Robbins, the actor best known as the voice of beloved cartoon character Charlie Brown, has died. He was 65 years old.
Robbins received national fame back in the 60s as the first ever actor to voice Charlie Brown in the Peanuts animated specials. He was just nine years old at the time. He went on to star in six celebrated television specials, including A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966).
The actor's family confirmed late last night (January 25) that Robbins, who had bipolar disorder, died by suicide last week.
Following a short-lived string of TV appearances throughout the late 60s and early 70s, Robbins struggled with addiction and his mental health. He would speak openly about his bipolar disorder. In 2019, having just served a four-year prison sentence for "making criminal threats", Robbins told Fox 5 that he felt “much more humble, grateful and thankful that I lived through the experience".
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He added that bipolar disorder should be taken seriously, warning those that have it that their life could "turn around in the span of a month like it did to me".
Fans have flooded social media with tributes to the late actor.
"Oh my gosh I'm heartbroken, rest in glorious peace, Peter Robbins," wrote one user on Twitter.
"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.
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A third said: "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."
There are various resources that can help provide mental health support, including MIND, Samaritans, Safe In Our World and CALM:
0300 123 3393
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