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Voice actor Peter Renaday, best known for originating the role of Master Splinter in the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, has passed away. He was 89.
TMZ reports Renaday was found dead after law enforcement performed a wellness check at the actor’s Burbank home Sunday (Sept. 8). Though a cause of death has not been shared, the outlet notes that he appears to have died of natural causes. However, his niece, Mindy Zachary, shared that temperatures inside his house had reached the 90s amid the recent heat wave striking Los Angeles.
Zachary told TMZ the family “feels Peter’s death doesn’t need further investigation.”
Renaday’s career in Hollywood spanned almost 60 years across television, animation, video games, and movies.
His earlier credits include The Aristocats, The Love Bug, and The Magical World of Disney, amongst several other series and TV movies.
But it wouldn’t be until the ’80s that Renaday began truly building his career in voice acting with roles on Alvin & The Chipmunks, G.I. Joe, and The Transformers. He later landed regular roles in the 1984 series Kidd Video and the 1986 superhero series Defenders of the Earth.
In 1987, Renaday originated the role of Master Splinter in the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series which ran until the show ended in 1996.
His TMNT co-star Townsend Coleman, who voiced Michelangelo, shared a tribute to his former colleague on social media.
“Folks, I’m devastated this morning to learn of the passing yesterday of our dear sensei, Peter Renaday,” he wrote. “Pete was one of the most genuine, salt of the earth people I have ever known and I will miss him dearly.”
His statement continued, “I had the privilege of visiting with him a month ago and he was as vibrant as ever, at 89 just as endearingly silly, smart and talented as I’ve always known him to be. Ugh, this is hard… a Disney legend and our dear Master Splinter— rest well, my sweet friend.”
Renaday’s more recent credits include Samurai Jack, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, and Archer.
TMZ reports Renaday was married to Florence “Flo” Daniel, who previously worked as a secretary in the Walt Disney Studio’s music department, until she passed away in 2011.
