An entire generation grew up watching He-Man and the Masters of the Universe on TV in the 1980s, as it was one of the most popular animated series of its time.

Sadly, one of the main voices behind the show, John Erwin, has died. He was 88, according to Newsweek. 

Erwin is well known for being the voice of He-Man in the popular 80s series, along with one of the popular villains called Beast Man.

News of Erwin's death comes just as a new He-Man movie will soon hit the theaters. The movie is expected to draw quite the audience given how popular the series and the toys were for millennials and Gen X'ers.

Died last month

It was only revealed in the past week that Erwin had actually died last month, just a few days before Christmas, due to what reports indicated were "natural causes."

Newsweek noted:

The actor, who began his career working in adverts in the late 1960s, made a number of other appearances, but for many, it was his role as He-Man that he will be most remembered for. As well as leading the show in the role of He-Man, Erwin also played the monstrously dim-witted Beast Man

Erwin got his start in the show business world in the 1960s as a voice behind several advertisements.

Some of his former colleagues from the He-Man series, such as Alan Oppenheimer, who voiced Skeletor, released statements on Erwin's passing.

"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," Oppenheimer said.

Melendy Britt, who provided the voice of She-Ra, also released a touching statement on her friend and former colleague.

“Aside from being friends in real life, for 40 years we had been a team. We were He-Man and She-Ra. To have “my brother” pass on is a tremendous sorrow even though I know life is not infinite. I’m glad I have a few lines of your voice messages to me to listen to, and as well, watch as you portrayed He-Man and said, “I have the Power!” You did and still do. The joy and camaraderie you gave to me will keep giving me the strength you always wanted me to share. After all, we were twins…He-Man and She-Ra forever.”

Social media reacts

Fans of the iconic TV cartoon also expressed their condolences across social media.

Thanks for the memories ❤️ 🗡️
John Erwin, Voice Actor in ‘He-Man’ and ‘Archie’ Cartoons, Dies at 88 😢 pic.twitter.com/6We1vuMCL3

— Retro Toys and Cartoons (@toys_retro) January 31, 2025

"RIP John. Thanks for the memories. He-Man was my favorite as a kid. I still have a bunch of the action figures," one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "Devastated by the news, John's He-Man was a huge part of my childhood."