Peter Robbins, the original voice actor of Charlie Brown in the 1960s Peanuts shows, died by suicide last week at the age of 65, The Independent reports.
Robbins started his acting career when he was nine years old and has voiced Charlie Brown in several holiday-themed TV specials including A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) and It's A Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966).
His tragic death was confirmed by his family on Tuesday, January 25. The former child star was known to have bipolar disorder.
Back in 2015, Robbins served nearly five years behind bars after he was found guilty of making criminal threats against several people, including San Diego County Sheriff William Gore.
When he was released from prison, he urged people with bipolar disorder to take it "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 that I lived through the experience," he continued.
The actor also opened up about the "manic phase" he went on, which saw him purchase a motor home, a mobile home, a couple of German sports cars, and a pitbull called Snoopy.
Robbins started acting as a child back in 1963 and became a household name when he started voicing Charlie Brown. He later got a tattoo of the character, who he regarded as a beloved childhood hero. Robbins also got a tattoo of Snoopy.
In 1966, he made an appearance in an episode of the sitcom F Troop, titled 'The Sergeant And The Kid and as the mysterious'. He also portrayed the character, Dr T, on Get Smart.
The late actor's family is asking his fans for privacy while they mourn his untimely death. They are to hold a memorial service for him on a date that they have not disclosed.
Our thoughts are with Robbins' friends and family at this devastating time.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out for help and contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.