Posted on 01/26/2022 4:56:32 PM PST by Morgana
More than five decades after the first Peanuts special hit TV screens, fans are mourning the tragic death of Peter Robbins, who killed himself, 57 years after voicing the titular character of Charlie Brown.
The actor's family confirmed on Tuesday night that the former actor died by suicide last week at the age of 65.
Peter began his career at seven years old and voiced the beloved Peanuts character in six different specials, a TV documentary, and one movie, including the holiday classics A Charlie Brown Christmas and It's A Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
The former child star, who suffered from bipolar disorder, became troubled later in life; in 2015, he was sentenced to five years in prison for making criminal threats against several people.
He was released in 2019 and managed to turn his life around - speaking out about his mental health issues and receiving professional treatment for addictions to drugs, alcohol, and sex.
His family is now asking for privacy and said they will hold a memorial service for him at a future date.
Peanuts, which was first created by Charles M. Schulz, began as a comic strip in 1950.
It captured the nation and people quickly fell for the 'loveable loser' Charlie Brown, as well as his pals Lucy and Linus Van Pelt, Sally Brown, Violet, and of course, his dog Snoopy.
The comic strip became so popular - earning 355 million readers by 1960 - that it inspired a TV special called A Charlie Brown Christmas, which came out in 1965.
It was estimated that more than 15 million people watched the special on the day that it premiered - landing it at the number two spot at the time (right behind Bonanza).
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
“He had severe depression. Battled it for decades. Lost the war last week it would seem.”
Really sad. I am 64 and those Peanuts specials and his voice as Charlie Brown brought so much happiness to my friends and I when we were young. His voice made it all so believable. Depression and bipolar are such horrible diseases. RIP Peter.
A Charlie Brown Christmas is probably my favorite thing of all time on TV, period. I was 7 when it was first on in ‘65. It has a certain quality that, in my mind, has never been surpassed, even though the animation might cause people to sneer at it. The soundtrack, and of course, the message? What’s not to like? A sad end to Mr. Robbins’ very sad and troubled life. In the end, he got a rock.....
“...he got a rock.”
__________
Rats!
The soundtrack by the Vincent Guaraldi trio is amazing.
I’m a year younger than you and was the same
Peppermint Patty.
Re: The Peanuts soundtrack. Whenever I’m feeling blue, ANYTHING from Vince Guaraldi cheers me right up! His musical phrasing/style is so unique.
The Definitive Vince Guaraldi:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWnEj9YwKVY&list=PL5ZeSSMxi4LHAwUvHCkQ_91RgmWl1zfrS
Also, just wonderful to relax with. Now I want a Martini, LOL! ;)
‘Cast Your Fate to the Wind’ is an all-time fave of mine, no matter who plays it.
Missed your comment - see Post #27. Another BIG fan, here! :)
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