Peter Renaday, the iconic voice actor known for his role as Master Splinter in the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series, has passed away at age 89. Found in his Burbank home after a welfare check, his death is reported to be from natural causes. Renaday’s prolific career included roles in Transformers, Batman, and Disney classics like The Aristocats, as well as voice work for Disney theme park attractions. His legacy as a voice acting legend will endure, particularly for his role as the mentor of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Peter Renaday, the beloved voice actor known for his portrayal of Master Splinter in the original *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles* (TMNT) animated series, has passed away at the age of 89. The actor, whose career spanned decades, was found dead in his home in Burbank, California, following a welfare check conducted by authorities on Sunday. Law enforcement confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that his death appeared to be from natural causes and is not being treated as a medical examiner case, according to a report by TMZ.
Renaday was born on June 9, 1935, in New Iberia, Louisiana. Over the course of his prolific career, he became best known for his voice work across animated television series, films, theme park attractions, and video games. His most iconic role came in 1987, when he was cast as the voice of Hamato Yoshi, better known as Master Splinter, the wise mentor and father figure to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Renaday voiced the character throughout the show’s run until its conclusion in 1996, making him a fan-favorite for a generation of children who grew up watching the cartoon.
In addition to his work in the TMNT series, Renaday reprised the role of Splinter for the *Coming Out of Their Shells* live-action concert tour in 1990, which was filmed at New York's Radio City Music Hall and released on VHS. His deep and authoritative voice made Splinter one of the most memorable characters in the TMNT universe.
Beyond TMNT, Renaday lent his voice to numerous other projects, including roles in major franchises like *Transformers*, *Batman*, *Superman*, and Disney films. His voice appeared in Disney's *The Aristocats*, where he played both the Milkman and Le Petit Café Chef. Renaday also left his mark in Disney theme parks, notably voicing Abraham Lincoln in *The Hall of Presidents* and Captain Nemo in the *20,000 Leagues Under the Sea* attraction at Walt Disney World. His work on these attractions cemented his place as a fixture in the world of voice acting and theme park entertainment.
Renaday’s legacy is also tied to Disney’s *Country Bear Jamboree* at the Magic Kingdom, where he voiced Henry and Max. His distinctive voice work spanned several decades and could be heard in various rides and attractions at Disney parks, from *The Hall of Presidents* to the Disneyland version of *The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh*, where he served as the narrator.
Outside of his career, Renaday was married to Florence "Flo" Daniel from 1979 until her death in 2011. Flo worked as a secretary in the music department of the Walt Disney Studios for over 30 years, and their marriage represented a personal connection to the Disney company that would shape much of Renaday’s later career. The couple’s bond lasted for over three decades until Flo’s passing.
Renaday’s work left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, and his iconic portrayal of Master Splinter remains a cherished memory for fans of *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles*. His contributions to voice acting, especially within Disney attractions and animated series, have made him a beloved figure for generations of fans.
The legacy of Peter Renaday’s voice will continue to resonate in the memories of fans who grew up with his characters and in the enduring attractions where his talents live on.