Peter Keefe, the creator and executive producer of “Voltron: Defender of the Universe,” a hugely popular 1980s cartoon series that helped prepare the way for other Japanese-style animation in the United States, died on May 27 in Rochester. He was 57.

The cause was throat cancer, his brother Chris said.

The show’s giant sword-wielding robot defended the universe from 1984 to 1987; “Voltron” became the No. 1 syndicated children’s show for two years and took in huge profits with merchandise as well. It inspired several spinoffs and developed a cult following.

Image Peter Keefe Credit... Vitello Productions

The series exposed American audiences to Japanese anime, and served as a precursor to children’s shows like “Dragon Ball Z,” “Power Rangers” and “Pokémon.”