The voice of Linus VanPelt
Christopher Shea, Peanuts' "Linus," dies at 52
A memorial service was held October 17, 2010 for actor Christopher Shea, the voice of Linus Van Pelt in the early Peanuts TV specials from Lee Mendelson-Bill Melendez Productions.
Born Christopher Dylan Shea in Los Angeles on February 5, 1958, he died August 19 of natural causes near his Honeydew, California home. He was 52.
Shea voiced Linus in the first Peanuts special, 1965's A Charlie Brown Christmas. He repeated the role in It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and Charlie Brown's All-Stars (both 1966), You're In Love, Charlie Brown (1967), and He's Your Dog, Charlie Brown (1968).
He had made Humboldt County, California his home for over 20 years.
As a young boy, Shea acted in such iconic TV shows as The Odd Couple, Bonanza and Green Acres, as well as making numerous live-action appearances in the Sunday evening classic series The Wonderful World of Disney.
"Christopher was a colorful person with a playful spirit and a big heart. His smile was contagious and his family enjoyed his wonderfully sincere hugs," family members said.
"Christopher influenced many who crossed his path in a positive and creative way: he frequently lent a hand to others when they were in need. He had a generous nature and took genuine pleasure in other people's good fortune. He loved communing with nature, listening to music, and he had a lifelong passion for literature."
Christopher Shea is survived by wife Sara Straton; daughters Nicea Straton-Shea and Teal Straton-Shea; and brother Eric, also a child actor, noted for portraying Robin in 1972's The Poseidon Adventure. His younger brother Stephen voiced Linus from 1971 until 1975.
Care was under the direction of Pierce Mortuary, Eureka, California. To leave condolences for the family, visit www.piercemortuarychapels.com.
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