Peter Spellos Dies: ‘American Dreams’ and ‘Transformers’ Actor Was 69

Martin Holmes
Comments
Peter Spellos
Fred Olen Facebook
Swooon

‘Parish’ Is Out for Justice in the Explosive Season Finale

Will Gray be forced to get his hands dirty? Get a sneak peek at the final episode of the AMC series.

Peter Spellos, best known for his role in the NBC drama series American Dreams and as a voice actor in the animated Transformers series, has died. He was 69.

According to his friend and acting student, Jennifer Smith, Spellos passed away on Sunday, November 19, at the Francisca Hospice House in Indianapolis, Indiana, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. His death was later confirmed by his friend Fred Olen Ray on Facebook.

“It is with tremendous sadness that I must report the passing of my dear friend, Peter Spellos at 2:30am this morning,” Olen wrote in his post. “Many of you knew Peter personally. He had more loving friends than there are stars in the sky. A gentler giant never existed. A talented actor, teacher and wise old owl.”

Olen continued, “He always made me laugh. I cannot even recall how many movies we made together, but they would probably fill a book… maybe some day they will. Goodbye, pal.”

Born on March 1, 1954, Spellos was best known as a voice actor, appearing in several anime series, such as Cowboy Bebop, Digimon, Naruto, Outlaw Star, Transformers: Robots in Disguise, and many more.

He also had acting roles in American Dreams, The Guyver, ER, Married… with Children, NewsRadio, and Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman.

His film credits include Billy Frankenstein, Bound, Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, Hard to Die, Men in Black II, Possessed by the Night, Agent Red, In the Army Now, and Yes Man.

“Really saddened to hear of the passing of friend and fellow Transformer, Peter Spellos this morning,” wrote voice actor Townsend Coleman on X. “Pete was a terrific actor and the sweetest of humans… giving, engaging, and encouraging to all who had the privilege of knowing him. You are loved and missed, Sky-Byte… til all are one.”

He is survived by his brother, James Spellos. According to Deadline, the family is planning an online memorial for him, but details have not yet been confirmed.

Check out more tributes below.

Billy Frankenstein -

Billy Frankenstein where to stream

American Dreams

Billy Frankenstein

Peter Spellos

Most Popular Stories on TV Insider
Phil Hartman, Andy Dick, Vicki Lewis, Stephen Root, Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Joe Rogan, Khandi Alexander of 'NewsRadio'
1
As ‘NewsRadio’ Turns 25, Here Are the Guest Stars You Might’ve Forgotten About
Kelly Clarkson & Reba McEntire, Niecy Nash, Dolly Parton
2
‘Reba:’ The Guest Stars You Forgot Joined the WB Sitcom
Nicholas Alexander Chavez as Spencer Cassadine on 'General Hosptial'
3
‘GH’ Star Nicholas Alexander Chavez Says Farewell as He Confirms Exit
Barriss Offee in Tales of the Empire
4
‘Star Wars: Tales of the Empire’: What Happened to [Spoiler]?
Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell in 'The Gilded Age'
5
‘The Gilded Age’ Star Carrie Coon Reveals Update on Season 3