The iconic voice behind the original He-Man dies at age 88.

In the fantastical city of Eternia, where power and honor reign supreme, a voice emerged that would define a generation. John Erwin, the man behind He-Man’s iconic battle cry, “I have the power!”, has left us at the age of 88, passing away from natural causes in his Camarillo, California home in December 2024.

As I took my first bite of the morning’s cereal, I couldn’t help but reminisce about those days spent glued to the television, watching He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. Erwin’s portrayal of Prince Adam transforming into the mighty He-Man wasn’t just entertainment; it was a beacon of strength and virtue.

Beyond the battles and adventures, each episode concluded with He-Man imparting a moral lesson, guiding young minds toward values like honesty, courage, and kindness. These pro-social messages weren’t mere afterthoughts; they were integral in shaping the ethos of countless children growing up in the ’80s.

Erwin’s career was as versatile as it was impactful. From voicing Reggie Mantle in the Archie cartoons to becoming the sardonic Morris the Cat in 9Lives commercials, his vocal talents knew no bounds.

His colleagues remember him fondly. Alan Oppenheimer, the voice of Skeletor, described working with Erwin as “a ballad of irreverence, professionalism, and surprise.” Melendy Britt, who voiced She-Ra, reminisced, “For 40 years, John Erwin was not only my brother onscreen, he was my friend.”

In a world that often seems devoid of heroes, John Erwin’s legacy reminds us that true power lies not in physical strength, but in the virtues we uphold and the positive impact we leave behind. As we bid farewell to the voice that declared, “I have the power!”, let’s carry forward the lessons he imparted, ensuring that the spirit of He-Man lives on in each of us.

For a heartfelt tribute to John Erwin’s remarkable career, you might find this video touching:

Good journey and let the power return…