John Erwin, who was the voice of He-Man in the 1980s and Morris the Cat in the 9Lives cat food TV adverts in the same era, died of natural causes in Camarillo, southern California
A veteran actor famed for voicing He-Man in popular cartoons has died aged 88.
John Erwin brought the character to life in He-Man and The Masters of the Universe and She-Ra: Princess of Power from 1983 to 1986. Both cartoons were hugely popular in the US and the UK, despite their tiny budgets.
Money was so tight Erwin also played smaller characters, such as Beast Man, as the cartoons gave the star the opportunity to showcase the variety in his voice work.
But his representatives today confirmed the performer’s death, of natural causes, after a career spanning some 45 years. His last credited role was in an episode of Family Guy, in which he also voiced He-Man as the cartoon was played during a scene featuring Brian Griffin.
Alan Oppenheimer, who voiced Skeletor alongside Erwin on He-Man, said on Friday night in a statement: “Working with John Erwin was a ballad of irreverence, professionalism and surprise.
“He was a series actor, writer, performer of commercials, musician, painter and an all-around lovely gentleman, an indelible addition to my life.”
Melendy Britt, the voice actor of He-Man’s twin sister She-Ra added: “For 40 years, John Erwin was not only my brother onscreen, he was my friend.”
Erwin began his illustrious career as a voice actor playing the role of grumpy Reggie Mantle in the series The Archies in 1968. A year later, his voice became synonymous across the US when he starred in dozens of commercials as the snarky Morris the Cat. The orange tabby cat was the face of the 9Lives brand of cat food and was seen as one of the nation’s favourite felines at the time.
This led to the work on The Masters of the Universe and She-Ra: Princess of Power, which went on to win awards in the US. Paying tribute today, fans recalled the series and Erwin’s creativity.
The veteran actor died of natural causes in Camarillo, California on December 20, 2024, but news of his passing was only confirmed by his agent on Friday. Survivors include “his loving family of children and grandchildren,” according to the public relations firm.
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