MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

How did Peter Robbins die? 1960s Charlie Brown voice actor dies at 65

Grammy-nominated voice actor behind 1960s Charlie Brown shows has reportedly died in Carlsbad, a memorial to be held at a later date

The voice actor best known for voicing Charlie Brown in the 1960s, Peter Robbins, has reportedly died in late January 2022. Robbins' family confirmed on January 25, 2022, that the popular voice actor passed away the week prior, with a memorial still to be scheduled. Robbins was nominated for four Grammy Awards for his work on the Charlie Brown TV shows, with three of them coming after his final role in 1972. 

Less than a month in, 2022 has already taken several iconic stars from us. We've not only lost big names like Bob Saget and Louie Anderson, but also several local icons like comedian Breck Denny, and Los Angeles' iconic Marty Roberts. While Denny, Saget, and Roberts are all believed to have succumbed to natural causes, Anderson tragically died just days after being admitted for cancer treatment. 

RELATED ARTICLES

How did Jason Weaver die? 'Big Daddy Weave' bass player dead at 42

How did Robert Bruce die? 'Comic Book Men' star, 62, found dead in storage facility

When it comes to Robbins though, things are slightly darker. Tragically, it appears as if his death is linked to his mental health issues, for which he spent four years in jail, and several years in rehab long after ending his Hollywood career.

How did Peter Robbins die?

Robbins' family told Fox News that the voice actor died by suicide at the age of 65. Further details are not available, but it appears Robbins' death is related to his bipolar disorder diagnosis. FOX 5’s Phil Blauer was reportedly a close friend of the actor's for over 25 years, and added, "Rest in peace Charlie Brown, say hi to Linus for me up in heaven." Robbins also suffered from addiction to drugs and alcohol and relapsed after being treated.

Beginning his career at age seven, Robbins voiced Charlie Brown in six films and one TV special between 1963 and 1969. In 1972, he called it quits and decided to pursue his career in the real estate business, with occasional appearances on radio. He spent the next four decades living relatively low-profile, before being arrested in 2013 and charged with 12 felony counts of making criminal threats and stalking.

he was arrested again in 2015 for probation violations and then sentenced in December 2015 under a plea agreement. After spending a brief stint in jail, he was transferred to a state mental hospital in Atascadero. After his release in 2019, he told Fox News, "I would recommend to anybody that has bipolar disorder to take it seriously because your life can turn around in a span of a month like it did to me." He added, "I came out of prison and I’m a better person for it. I’m much more humble, grateful and thankful that I lived through the experience."

It's unclear what Robbins was doing after his release from prison. His death has led to tributes on social media, with many acknowledging the critical role Charlie Brown played in their lives. "Charlie Brown’s voice actor Peter Robbins died by sui—de and I literally am so disheartened that a character I connected to all my life even now in my young adulthood was voiced by someone just as sad as me and the character himself. iykmyk my looove for the peanuts," one user tweeted. Another said, "Rip Peter Robbins we’ll miss you."