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1958 - 2010
1958 - 2010
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1958
2010
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Paul
July 13, 2025
Like many others posting their fond memories on this site, I was watching an old TV show, The Odd Couple, and saw Christopher as Philip, the mischievous next-door neighbor. His voice reminded me of the Charlie Brown shows, too. I was further struck by how many other child stars, including Pamelyn Ferdin the voice of Lucy, were on The Odd Couple.
Christopher was lucky to work on shows that included a good moral statement, unlike most of the tripe on TV today. Rest In Peace, Christopher.
Peter K.
December 14, 2024
Just found out today of Chris´ passing. Peanuts was a big part of my youth and Linus was special. Merry Christmas Christopher. You´ll always be remembered fondly.
Joe Hunt
November 7, 2024
On account of Chris's wonderful rendition of that passage, I memorized it and it's my mantra when I get frustrated with others. And recalling his voice as Linus while I recite it to myself really does work at conveying - peace on Earth and good will towards men. Thanks Chris. RIP.
Tom Cochran
August 7, 2024
I´m watching episodes of odd couple,enjoying Christopher´s performance.will always remember his Linus character from Charlie Brown.He contributed greatly to American entertainment . Sincerely,Tom Cochran
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Anita Baldwin Cotti
December 27, 2023
I am sending continued support to the Shea family after all this time because I understand the Neverending loss of losing a brother and wanted to just let you all know how much his voice and spirit is cherished by the entire world. I realize that He was much more than a character to his family but don't disregard it's powerful impact to so many people worldwide!
He is in our hearts and will remain there forever.....
May he rest in peace
John C Straton, III
November 7, 2023
John C Straton, III
November 7, 2023
John C Straton, III
November 7, 2023
Christopher, you were my brother in love of my sister and my brother. I will always remember our times together. The ups and downs and sharing of our families spirit together. I´ll always miss you man. Sara is visiting us this weekend so this is a poignant time for us. Godspeed and thanks for all the great and interesting experiences. Best to all you Sheas too. I miss y´all! John C Straton
Lee
November 20, 2022
Condolences to Christopher's loved ones. He was so talented and his voice was angelic. RIP.
Eileen W.
December 19, 2021
I was also born in 1958. Every year I watch A Charlie Brown Christmas to hear Linus explain to Charlie what Christmas is all about; I always hear his voice when I read those verses in the Bible. I'm so thankful for his performance, even after so many years, each time I hear his voice, I am comforted <3
Amy P.
August 13, 2021
Just watched an episode of "That Girl", and recognized the voice of Linus Van Pelt. I was sorry to hear of your passing. RIP Mr. Shea and Condolences to your family. You (have) and (still) bring us many precious moments, from The 2 Charlie Brown Specials. We thank you.
K P
May 15, 2021
I watch SHANE every weekend. I don't ever get tired of your undeniable love for what you did. I can only imagine that you lived your life the same way with your wife and 2 very precious daughters. God blessed us with your beautiful spirit. I'm so sorry I didn't know of your passing sooner. God bless your family.
Gwen Senders
December 12, 2020
He was also our beloved little one "Joey" on the TV series "Shane"
P.E. McCahan
April 17, 2020
One of the most inspirational and touching moments that continues in my life is Mr. Shea's performance in A Charlie Brown Christmas. I knew that he was no longer acting on tv and movies but I didn't know he'd died.
It will hurt a lot more at Christmas.
Rest in Peace.
Stephen Shea
December 5, 2019
I miss you Chris-- our whole family does
Linda O
December 1, 2019
Having watched the Peanuts specials all my life finally connected the actor who played Linus to other roles through Google searches. So saddened to hear of Chris's passing. His magical renderng in verse of the true meaning of Christmas makes the Charlie Brown Christmas special my favorite seasonal show. This young actor was a part of my childhood. Hope his family knows Chris was loved by many and lives on in those iconic roles.
Linus Van Pelt
Kenneth and Vanessa .Jenkins
November 19, 2019
Thanks for all you do and the love you shared to countless of longtime fans everywhere. RIP Linus...
Rick Harvey
July 6, 2019
Thanks for many years of entertainment.
Rest In Peace Linus!
Tammy Shetterly
June 4, 2019
Sorry to have just recently learned of your passing. Your voice work when you were young was a big part of my childhood and gave me hours of joy. RIP
Sara Houston
April 14, 2019
My husband and I have been watching "Shane" every Sunday morning for months now and like many others I finally decided to google Chris. We were saddened to learn that he moved to Heaven and became an Angel instead of an actor. I know his family and friends and fans must miss him very much. My condolences to every one who loved him, especially his family.
J K Sansone
December 29, 2018
Just reading your obit. So sorry the loss of a great actor. I loved you as Philip North, with Lucille Ball & Henry Fonda. You will be missed.
L W
December 12, 2018
Remembering you always at Christmas since childhood.
November 26, 2018
Sorry to hear of his passing. My cousins lived up the street on Royal Woods Drive and they knew him a bit.
That special and his voice reading the lines fro Luke are permanently part of my childhood and my kids have watched the Christmas Special with every year and they are 29 and 27. We all miss Sparky and his spirit lives on every year as well.
-chip
Laylah DeLautreamont
May 4, 2018
I just read about Christopher's untimely death. I'm simply heartbroken. His beautiful young voice was my favorite of all the Peanuts' characters. What an adorable, sensitive boy he was. May he Rest In Peace, knowing how deeply and eternally he touched the lives of so many children, throughout the years. Bless you Christopher, your beautiful legacy will live on. Blessings. ~L~
Melonie Keith
February 11, 2018
Just heard of his death. Watching him as a child actor on SHANE tv program.godbless his great family!
Paul & Colleen
December 24, 2017
God bless Chris and his family. He was immortalized, speaking the words of Luke. May his soul be immortalized in the kingdom of God. Merry Christmas, Chris.
Rachele
December 8, 2017
My heart goes out to the Shea family.
V C
March 26, 2017
I just saw Chris this morning on an episode of "Shane." Even as a youngster he was so talented and so totally believable in his role. Continued thoughts and prayers to his family.
S Rodriguez
July 28, 2016
Was watching an episode of The Odd Couple when I saw young Christopher Shae as one of the actors. I kept listening to the way he spoke and thought "He sounds like one of the Peanut characters". It wasn't until I googled his name that I realized he was the voice over for Linus. Warmed the hearts of many. So sad that he passed at such a young age. My deepest sympathy and condolences for his family.
Tiffany Tiffany
June 26, 2016
I've Watched He's Your Dog Charlie Brown And Your In Love Charlie Brown. Christopher Shea Was A Great Voice Over Actor And He Will Always Be Honored On Holidays Plus His Birthday Too On February 05.2017 Plus February 05.2018 And Father's Day Too To All Of Christopher Shea's Voice Over Friends Including Peter Robbins :( Plus His Wife And Daughters You Have My Thought And Prayers. I've Watched Many Peanuts TV Specials And Movies On TV Christopher Shea Done Great Voicing Linus In Most Of The Peanuts Movie And TV Specials. It Was The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown Was My Favorite. Great Voice Over Talent Gone At A Young Age. Stay Strong Peter Robbins And The Shea Family All Of You Shared Many Fun Memories And He Will Never Be Forgotten.
November 27, 2015
I was shocked when I found out about Chris's passing..if his wife ever reads this,I want you to know I will never forget your help & kindness when I was sick. I found a couple years ago,but didn't know there was this forum to express my condolences. I hope you & the children are ok,& hope to see you again to give you a hug.
Nan from Stoney Point Road Days.
L Nelson
March 8, 2015
Just saw Eric on a Brady Bunch episode and decided to look up the brothers to see what theyre doing now...
Only to see that Chris passed away back in 2010. Never knew him but he was an adorable kid actor...i feel saddened...R.I.P Chris
Cathy Greene
January 4, 2015
I just watched "A Charlie Brown Christmas" again for the hundredth time and thought I would Google Chris Shea. My heart gave a little thump of sadness when I found that he had passed away. Chris is now an Angel in Heaven and please believe that he is very happy there.
Miles Redman
October 30, 2014
I loved it as a child, and know share it with my children.
K Mitchell
October 30, 2014
RIP Chris. My favorite character esp on "it's the Great Pumpkin" Whe he says " STUPID?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN STUPID!?" They just don't make them like that anymore.
Shelby
January 5, 2014
I just watched the Peanuts New Year's cartoon and decided to look Chris up. I re-watched the Great Pumpkin and the Christmas cartoons again this year. As the other writers noted these old classic cartoons bring back so many memories for me when I was a child. Rest in peace, Chris. May God bless your family.
Rodney Pereira
November 27, 2013
I just now heard about Chris' passing. We were good friends in San Luis Obispo, CA for about 10 years. We spent many good times at the Edna artist community. I remember the week he met Sara. They stayed at my house for a week. Yes! He was a wild and crazy guy.
Diane Naylor
November 24, 2013
So sad to hear of his passing. I grew up with him and his brothers as they lived across the street. So many fun memories of them swimming in our pool , playing ball, hide and go seek. I remember how excited he was when he got a part! However, he was always humble even as a kid about his successes. He will forever be part of my childhood from a simpler and more innocent time . Rip chris! Diane Myers Naylor from St Andrews Place in LA
La'Verne Burke
October 31, 2013
I was watching The Great Pumkin Charlie Brown and all of a sudden I decided to google Chris Shea, the voice of Linus. Thats when I read where he had passed away. I was very sadden! Watching the 'Peanuts' cartoon brings back such good memories of my childhood, and that unmistakenable voice of Chris is such a joy to listen to! I love that bible passage that 'Linus' read in 'Charlie Brown Christmas' I learned it by heart because of listening to him. I like seeing him act in other TV shows too and his brothers as well. I know he's in a better place now. R.I.P. Chris Shea. God blessings to his family!
Susan Garrett
October 29, 2013
When I was a little girl, I loved the Halloween special " The Great Pumpkin" Lionel was my favorite character I loved his voice. I just found out he passed away 3 years ago I'm so sorry but his talent will always live on Thank you Christopher for your great contribution.
January 25, 2013
I am so sad to just find out about Chris passing away.He gave me great childhood memories watching the Peanuts specials and having my kids enjoy them too.Linus and his blanket rest in peace.Gone too soon~prayers to his family.The Barry Family ~Dubuque,Iowa.
Darin Gates
January 23, 2013
Just thinking about Christopher today. I LOVE the fact he was the one chosen to recite passages from the Bible in "A Charlie Brown Christmas". Rest in Peace my friend!
Rose Marie
December 26, 2012
I, too, just recently watched a Christmas episode of "That Girl", and jotted down this cute boy's real name. Such a talented actor, and from what I've read, such a wonderful person. This news brings tears to my eyes.
Michele Bartlett
December 24, 2012
Christopher's telling of the Nativity story through the voice of Linus is always the voice I hear when I think about that passage. I love how his voice was a little tremulous at the end: "And that's what Christmas is all about,Charlie Brown." It sounds like there are tears behind the words ... so poignant and perfect. His name means "Christ-bearer" and so he was, at that young age, and his performance is for the ages. Blessings to his wife and daughters.
Terry Long
December 24, 2012
I, too, just found out that he passed away. Saw him this morning on THAT GIRL, Googlrd to see what he was doing these days. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Jude Heil
December 20, 2012
I just found out that Christopher passed away. I am so sorry to hear that. I wanted to send a quick message to his wife and daughters to say: Thanks. He has touched so many lives in such a positive way. His Linus speak will live forever and it is truly the best part of all that is Christmas, what an awesome legacy!
Peace, Jude
Kevin Jensen
December 19, 2012
I just found out Chris passed, I just want to thank you and sorry to hear for his family
André Vuargnoz
December 18, 2012
Andrew from France has a special hearty thought for Christopher... I saw him yesterday in the Miracle from The Invaders TV serie...
Sincerely
[email protected]
Barb Mac Geiss
October 16, 2012
Awww my sweet baboo! Like many, I was looking up the voice credits for Peanuts specials and was so sad to hear that Christopher had died. He lives on in spirit - That's what Christmas is all about. Wishing his family peace.
Steve Brant
December 23, 2011
I just learned of Chris's passing tonight, as I looked through videos of Linus's famous Christmas speech on YouTube.
I'm so sorry to learn he died so young (and we're about the same age) but grateful to read all these tributes from family, friends (special thanks to Peter Robbins), and fans. I feel I know him even better now.
To me he was always the voice that embodied the spirit of Christmas. Now I know he lived that spirit for real all through his life.
My best to his wife and children at this special time of year. You were so lucky to have him in your lives for real.
Rest In Peace, Chris.
Doug Macrae
December 12, 2011
I think we all owe a great big thank you to Chris for the years and years of profound enjoyment he has given us. Millions of folks will remember you for their whole lives and smile. Not bad at all. Thanks for teaching us the real meaning of Christmas!
Peter Gerstenzang
December 5, 2011
Sorry I only just found this out (after watching A Charlie Brown Christmas). I loved Chris Shea's work. And he ruled on The Odd Couple
Michael Wamsley
September 18, 2011
I cried today hearing the news of your passin. we were childhood friends in LA I remember how much fun you and your brothers were I remember your mom and dad taking us to the laruel canyon. I remember how you loved to collect coins, the dirt clod and water fights. swimming at Kelly Coles house. my thoughts are with you and your family though we lost touch so long ago I smile at the innocence of youth that we shared.
Randall Murphy
July 20, 2011
I knew him well as we were both child actors in the 1960ties on "The Jack Barry Show". Very few child celebrities on the show made it, one was Gary Goetzman who is producer today with Tom Hanks. Acting is hard. I left acting and became PhD and Professor at New York University for 20+ years. am biotech executive and still miss acting and regret i did not go on but it's hard. It is much easier lecturing to 200 students than acting. I respect Chris terrifically and wish I would have stayed in touch, but that is the way life is, strange and not predictable
yours
Randy
(Randall B. Murphy)
July 1, 2011
Daddy, I've never thought I could miss anyone as much as I miss you now. I wish so much you could be with us, it's such an important time and you being here would just make everything alright again. You taught me so much, and I am damn proud to say that I am my fathers daughter. I love you forever.
your family
nicea
June 11, 2011
Dad, I think of you every day. I miss your smile and hugs, your sincerity and genuine love of being alive. But you passed that on to me, even in the dark times or the hardest times I am thankful to be who I am. And you made me that way. you are responsible for so many of the random things I do. I wish that you could be here to experience those most important things, like Teals graduation and going off to college, and where Im living now, you would love my new house, there are redwoods. I can see you hugging the trees in my backyard. You might not be here with us anymore but you live on in all of our hearts. be peaceful in your rest. I love you dad. I miss you
Nicea
May 7, 2011
I miss you Dad. there are no words. please watch over us always.
please be there in the future. for Teals graduation, for my wedding when it happens. I always thought you would walk me down the aisle, it would be the second time I'd ever seen you in a tuxedo in my life. We miss you every day papa, teal and mom and I wish you were here every day. I know one day I'll see you again, and knowing your there watching over us just makes me miss your earthly presence more some days. But I can feel the warmth of your smile in the sunshine on my face, they are your tears when it rains, and its your voice that I hear when I listen to the waves crash on the beach. Be peaceful in rest. So much love dad.
Cherie Johnson
March 4, 2011
I am really shocked to hear of his death. I didn't know Mr. Shea but I feel like I grew up with him as I adored him as the voice of Linus. He was my favorite character in Peanuts. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Howard Camner
February 7, 2011
Out of curiosity I decided to look up who was behind the voices of the peanuts characters. I must say that this news broke my heart. He will live on for generations to come through his voicing of Linus. God has his plans I guess. I wish I had known him.
robert lewis
December 13, 2010
Chris and I meet through a friend who's dad was a councilman in Hollywood. We went to see Jimi Hendricks and the Mama and the Papa's at the Hollywood bowl. I'll will forget our brief friendship. Good Bless
Georgie Porgie
December 13, 2010
Oh I am so torn to hear of your passing....but at the same time, so happy that you are now in the best place possible. You were always my favorite Peanut's character. I always remember feeling your beautiful spirit even through just the voice of a colorful cartoon character on the screen. I felt it ! My deepest sympathy to ALL of your family. I wish you all peace in your hearts and congratulate you ALL for knowing that Christopher is now in heaven with God. I Love You <3
December 12, 2010
December 12, 2010
Christopher was the first born of my nephews. When he was quite young we would take him water skiing with us. He quickly learned how to ski, and from then on never seemed to get enough of it.
Phyllis Sheets, San Luis Obispo, CA
Laurie Elliott
December 12, 2010
You were always my favorite in every movie, character or voice - thank you so much - I just heard of your passing and will keep you and your family in my prayers always
M.C. Antil
December 12, 2010
I offer some brief thoughts on Chris on my blog. (www.MCAntil.com) Though I did not know him as a man, his voice and his spirit still moves me to this day.
Terry McKnight
December 12, 2010
My sincerest condolences to the Shea family for your loss. Linus Van Pelt would have never have become the "Star" he has become, had it not been for the exceptionally gifted Christopher Dylan Shea......Terry J Mcknight (Arroyo Grande, Ca)
Diane Mosiello
December 7, 2010
such an iconic voice that to this day brings joy and anticipation to so many children around the world, please accept our sincere condolences, to lose someone especially at such a young age is hard but please remember all the good memories and embrace the love you all had for one another and lean on each other in this time of mourning and keep strong .
Jason Reinier
December 6, 2010
When I Think of christopher I can see his big smile and his rocken beard ,long hair bright eyes. ill never forget how much he truley new how to appreciate the small things in life. Such as the taste of chocolate,hugs,root beer ext. Chris and I concurred some cool things together biking from west haven all the way to trinidad and back along the coast Ill never forget days like that with him. His positive views on life and kindness tourds' others truly makes him a special man that will always be remember and loved by many for years and years to come for He truly mad a differents In many peoples lifes.
November 30, 2010
Checking up on Chris and discovered the sad news. I knew Chris back at Cal Poly SLO in the late 70's/early 80's. We took a memorable trip to Big Sur with others which I'll never forget. Lost touch over the years but not forgotten. RIP my friend Chris.
Dean Hessler
November 30, 2010
Checking up on Chris and discovered the sad news. I knew Chris back at Cal Poly SLO in the late 70's/early 80's. We took a memorable trip to Big Sur with others which I'll never forget. Lost touch over the years but not forgotten. RIP my friend Chris.
Dee Burch
November 27, 2010
I was one of the lucky kids who grew up watching The Peanuts and hearing Christopher's sweet innocent voice of Linus. Please take comfort in knowing he has left a beautiful legacy and joy in the hearts of so many who never had the honour of knowing him.
November 22, 2010
I knew Chris back in the late 70's and early 80's. We had many adventures togethers going to Dead concerts and having fun on the central coast. He was a sweet and loving person, always kind and open. Bethanne
November 21, 2010
I am sorry to learn of Chris's passing at such a young age. As the voice of Linus he brought the meaning of Thanksgiving and Christmas to millions of people each year. What an influence he had on my brother and I growing up.My heart goes out to the family and friends of Chris may God give you His peace and comfort during this time of grief
Brian Wynn Lagrange Georgia
Bob Kiek
November 15, 2010
I knew Chris well, but a long time ago. We were playing poker almost 40 years ago in Jr. High long before it was popular! Chris was always an up person and I had wanted to say Hi again, but in life if you wait to do something you may miss it. It is shocking to have a contemporary pass, but it seems Chris lived a life he wanted & enjoyed it. Hope that his family is OK & are coping as well as they can & I wish all the best forever. A forever memory is during a poker game & it seems like only yesterday, we were on the floor laughing when Eric came in & told us "You ain't seen nothing till you've seen Shelly Winters in a wetsuit..." boy Chris fell off his chair!!! PEACE....
Tim Evans
November 5, 2010
So sorry to hear that Chris has left us too soon. This is really out of the ordinary for me to write to people I do not know, to express my feelings. However, because I've grown up listening to Chris's voice (Linus), and continue to hear him every year with my family, I felt compelled to write and express my sorrow for his passing. It's amazing how much joy we have in our home because of a recording a little kid, named Christopher Shea, made in 1965! Be assured that we will continue to celebrate Chris's life every year in our home with many viewings of It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Christmas. What a great legacy he has left behind.
Tim Evans
Lawrence, Kansas
Tim Evans
November 5, 2010
So sorry to hear that Chris has left us too soon. This is really out of the ordinary for me to write to people I do not know, to express my feelings. However, because I've grown up listening to Chris's voice (Linus), and continue to hear him every year with my family, I felt compelled to write and express my sorrow for his passing. It's amazing how much joy we have in our home because of a recording a little kid, named Christopher Shea, made in 1965! Be assured that we will continue to celebrate Chris's life every year in our home with many viewings of It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and A Charlie Brown Christmas. What a great legacy he has left behind.
October 27, 2010
When you listen to Chris' voice as Linus it was magical. You could still here the softness,sincerity,and belief in his voice no matter what his age. He was my brother and I loved him and always will.
Katherine Davies
October 23, 2010
Christopher Shea is immortalized as Linus...such a special part of my childhood. I can hear his sweet voice in my head to this day. Clearly a special man...God Bless him and your family.
chris and me going to tom petty
October 19, 2010
after 43 years apart we finally reunited at a tom petty concert in june he was the best part of the charlie brown specials his sincere voice was an inspiration I should know I was hoping to see him in august for a river trip but never heard from him good grief i will miss him you did know the meaning of christmas peter robbins, voice of charlie brown
Nichele Briscoe
October 19, 2010
Thanks Mr. Shea for your wonderful performances. My condolences and best wishes to the Shea Family.
Loree&Steve Consalvi
October 13, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
October 12, 2010
My heart goes out to the entire family of Christopher, may God comfort you in this time of loss. He was one of the few people I ever met who really knew the true meaning of Christmas in this age of crass commercialism associated with it. I will always cherish getting to watch his daughters grow up and how much love and affection he gave to them and his whole family. He was a walking encyclopedia of music and literature, and I will never forget all the memories of listening and going to concerts with him,especially Bob Dylan.
They say nobody loves you when you're down and out, but Christopher extended a helping hand to get me back up, and for that I will always be grateful. Not having much family myself,he made me feel like I was a part of his.
In the last few years we became part of a special fellowship of love and one of the last things we did together was pray. He is unforgettable and unique to say the least. He left us way too early, but is now at home with The Great Spirit of Creation. May that comfort his family and friends. Love, Tim Bingham DewDad Ca
October 12, 2010
Chris was a close friend for many years in the 80's. His laugh, more a cackle, was infectious and fun. I traveled across the US by car wit him once. It was an amazing journey. He will be missed. Sara, Steven, and all who loved him... my heart goes out to you.
Dwion Gates
October 11, 2010
Am sorry to see that Chris passed away so soon. So Young. I remember him as a child actor. I thought he was cute!! :0) Being immortalized as the voice of Linus is a preety cool thing!! Sounds like he turned out to be a kind & wonderful man. My sympathy & condolances to his entire family. Carol Williams, Eureka, CA
Mark Huddleson
October 11, 2010
Wow, the iconic voice of Linus Van Pelt! I had no idea he lived up here. He sounds like someone I would have enjoyed knowing. My condolences to the family.
The Wizard of Oz said, "A heart is judged not by how much you love, by how you are loved by others."
If that is the case, then Mr. Shea had a very big heart!
Christopher and His Loving Sweetie of 25 years
October 2, 2010
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