Famed voice actor Peter Spellos lost his battle with pancreatic cancer Sunday, Fox News reported. The 69-year-old was best known for roles in "Transformers: Robots in Disguise," "Men in Black II," and "American Dreams."
Spellos had more than 150 credited roles in his career that spanned decades, both on-screen and voicing animated characters. Hailing from Queens, New York, Spellos worked with some of the greats of their time.
He landed a role in the series "Eagle Riders" alongside actors Bryan Cranston and Mona Marshall. Spellos had roles in "The Wonder Years," "Step by Step," "Married...with Children," "In the Army Now," and "City of Angels."
By all accounts, Spellos passed away peacefully. "Peter was surrounded by friends and family, as well as showered with loving messages from fans around the world throughout this difficult time," Jennifer Smith, a former acting student who became Peter Spellos's power of attorney, said to People.
He also received a kind send-off from Fred Olen Ray, producer and director. "Many of you knew Peter personally. He had more loving friends than there are stars in the sky. A gentler giant never existed," Ray wrote.
"A talented actor, teacher and wise old owl. He always made me laugh," he continued.
"I cannot even recall how many movies we made together, but they would probably fill a book... maybe some day they will. Goodbye, pal," Ray added.
Just prior to his death, Spellos was put on hospice for end-of-life care for the fatal disease. His younger brother, James, confirmed his death to Fox News Digital by noting Peter was "at peace after a short but very painful battle with pancreatic cancer."
He posted an online statement online about Peter's final days. "It is consoling to know that the folks at hospice kept him comfortable and out of pain over his last days," James shared.
"And a huge amount of thanks and deep love and respect to Jen and the Council of Aunties who made sure he was taken care of over the past few months," James Spellos added. "And for those of you who remember the Blake Edwards movie 'S.O.B.' (again from many years ago), we're sad that we can't completely honor Peter's wishes to have his body sent out into the ocean on a Viking ship, wearing a horned helmet, with Sinatra music blasting, and then shoot arrows to set it in flames. Sigh," he continued.
"Instead, his body will be cremated, with no religious service whatsoever, also in line with his wishes. I'm sure he would be really pissed at me or Jen if we were to hold any religious ceremony. Of course, everyone can grieve however they choose," James Spellos added.
The actor's younger brother went on to share a humourous anecdote about Peter's last wishes. "He and I went to Radio City many years ago to see Red Skeleton perform (we're probably going back to the mid-late 80s), and during his show, he shared this story: When I die, I want to go like my grandfather died," James Spellos set up the story.
"Calmly Serenely. In his sleep. Not kicking and screaming like the passengers in his car," he quipped. "We'll miss you, Peter. Your little brother," James Spellos concluded.
The body of work Peter Spellos left behind will endure well beyond the actor's untimely death. Cancer is a thief that steals away too many too soon, including Peter Spellos.
