The Heartbreaking Death Of Charlie Brown Voice Actor Peter Robbins

On January 25th, 2022, relatives revealed to Fox 5 San Diego that Peter Robbins, the actor who voiced Charlie Brown in 1965's "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and 1966's "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," had sadly died. According to his relatives, the 65-year-old took his own life. 

Fox 5 San Diego journalist Phil Blauer was a close friend of Robbins throughout his life, and spoke about the special nickname that the voice actor gave him. "I will always treasure his nickname for me," Blauer said. "He used to call me 'Scoop.' Rest in peace Charlie Brown, say hi to Linus for me up in heaven."

Robbins began acting as a child, voicing the character Charlie Brown in the 1963 television documentary about Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, titled "A Boy Named Charlie Brown." As previously mentioned, Robbins went on to voice Charlie Brown in "A Charlie Brown Christmas" in 1965, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" in 1966, and the "A Boy Named Charlie Brown" feature film in 1969. The Hollywood Reporter also notes that Robbins went on to star in TV shows like "Rawhide," "The Donna Reed Show," "The Munsters," and "Get Smart" throughout the 1960s. His final acting role was back in 1972, when he appeared on an episode of "My Three Sons."

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ at​ 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

After leaving Hollywood in 1972, Peter Robbins struggled with mental health issues. Daily Mail reports that Robbins suffered from bipolar disorder and spent time in prison between 2015 and 2019. Robbins was sentenced to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to sending threatening letters to the media in which he offered to kill San Diego County Sheriff, Bill Gore. Robbins also allegedly sent threatening letters to a property manager and other residents living in the mobile home park he called home. While in jail, Robbins offered $50,000 to have Gore killed.

In 2019, Robbins spoke to Fox 5 San Diego about the importance of taking mental health issues seriously. "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," Robbins explained. "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 ... I don't have any animosity towards anybody."

The late actor concluded at the time, "Charlie Brown fans are the greatest fans in the world. And everybody is willing, I hope, to give me a second chance."