He-man voice actor John Erwin dies aged 88

His illustrious career spanned over four decades

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 popular in the US and the UK despite being made on tiny budgets.

Erwin also played smaller characters, such as Beast Man, due to money being so tight and the cartoons gave the star the opportunity to showcase the variety in his voice work.

His representatives today confirmed the performer's death, of natural causes, after a career spanning over 45 years.

His last credited role was in an episode of Family Guy, in which he voiced He-Man as the cartoon played in 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."

Erwin first began his 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 iconic 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 was what led him to work on The Masters of the Universe and She-Ra: Princess of Power, which went on to win awards in the US.

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.