John Erwin, Beloved Voice Actor Of He-Man & Other Characters, Dies At 88
John Erwin, the legendary He-Man and the Masters of the Universe star, has passed away at 88 years old. The actor was mostly known for his work as a voice-over actor. Among all his credited projects, He-Man was his most widely recognized role, helping to define the titular character over many years as the star. Even today, other He-Man shows continue to build on what he created.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Erwin died on December 20, 2024, in his California home, but the cause of death was not provided. His fellow star, Alan Oppenheimer (Skeletor) responded to the news by stating, “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.” The renowned actor is survived by his children and grandchildren.
Erwin Helped Define He-Man
He Was Best Known For His Role In He-Man
Erwin is best known for portraying He-Man in the classic Masters of the Universe show. The Filmation series was based on Mattel's toy brand, which brought He-Man to life. Erwin defined the animated depiction in a portrayal that continues to echo across Hollywood today. Several other adaptations have come after his hit 1983 show ended, proving that he continues to have a significant impact on the media landscape even today. He even had the opportunity to reprise the role numerous times through Family Guy, She-Ra: Princess of Power, and the He-Man Christmas special.
Outside He-Man, Erwin appeared in dozens of Sabrina the Teenage Witch episodes. In the series, he played Reggie Mantle, Cousin Ambrose, and several other significant characters. He also starred as Reggie Mantle in several Archie shows and even had a brief cameo in Back to the Future Part II (1989) as an announcer. Though he never again saw the success of He-Man in another production, he cemented his legacy with ease.
Erwin Leaves A Powerful Legacy
He-Man Was Not His Only Major Role
Despite only lasting for three short years in its original form, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe continues to be a vitally important franchise in the modern medium. Its stars are not as prominent as Marvel or DC characters, but they have integrated themselves into pop culture. Erwin was a central part of its success, and as long as the franchise continues to succeed, his impact will remain. This will hopefully translate into the upcoming Masters of the Universe movie, where his contribution to the role will be celebrated and seen.
Source: THR
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
- Release Date
- 1983 - 1985-00-00
- Showrunner
- Lou Scheimer
- Directors
- Gwen Wetzler, Lou Kachivas, Marsh Lamore
- Writers
- Douglas Booth, Larry DiTillio, Paul Dini, J. Michael Straczynski
- Franchise(s)
- Masters of the Universe
Cast
John Erwin- Alan Oppenheimer
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