Peter Renaday, the esteemed voice actor renowned for his portrayal of Master Splinter in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles TV series, has passed away at the age of 89. Renaday died at his home in Burbank, California, on Sunday, with suspected natural causes being reported.
Renaday’s death was announced by his friend and co-star Townsend Coleman, who voiced Michelangelo in the same series. Coleman took to social media to express his sorrow, stating, “I will miss him dearly.” In his tribute, Coleman referred to Renaday as a “Disney Legend” and one of the most genuine individuals he had ever known, adding, “I had the privilege of visiting him a month ago and he was as vibrant as ever.”
Born in Louisiana in 1935, Renaday enjoyed a prolific career spanning over six decades. His extensive work included roles in nearly 200 films and television shows. In the 1970s and 1980s, he lent his voice to characters in several Disney animated films such as The Aristocats, The Rescuers, and The Black Cauldron. His notable TV credits include Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo, Alvin & The Chipmunks, The Transformers, The Real Ghostbusters, and Batman: The Animated Series. Additionally, Renaday was recognized for voicing the animatronic Abraham Lincoln at Walt Disney World’s Hall of Presidents.
Renaday’s role as Master Splinter in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which aired from 1987 to 1996, remains one of his most iconic performances.
Fans have been paying tribute to Renaday on social media, with one user remarking, “I will always remember you for bringing Splinter to life.” According to TMZ, Renaday was found unresponsive at his home following a welfare check conducted by police.
Renaday was married to Florence “Flo” Daniel, who worked as a music department secretary at Walt Disney Studios for 35 years, from 1979 until her passing in 2011.
A film reboot of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles was released last summer, continuing the legacy of the beloved series.
