Peter Cullen, iconic voice of Optimus Prime, dies at 85
Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, whose distinctive voice brought "Transformers" hero Optimus Prime and "Winnie-the-Pooh" character Eeyore to life, has died at the age of 85.
Cullen died on August 26 at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his family.
“He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family — and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide,” the statement said.
His family also urged fans to honour his legacy by serving their communities and leading others with “compassion, integrity and loyalty”. They also recalled one of Cullen’s guiding words: “be strong enough to be gentle.”
With hundreds of voice acting credits spanning film, television and video games, Cullen built a career that lasted several decades. However, he became particularly synonymous with Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots in the "Transformers" franchise.
Cullen first voiced the character in the 1980s animated series "The Transformers", which centred on the battle between the Autobots and Decepticons. He later reprised the role in the animated feature film that followed the series.
After nearly two decades away from the character, Cullen returned as Optimus Prime for Michael Bay’s 2007 live-action "Transformers". The film ushered in a new generation of "Transformers" productions, including five sequels, the "Bumblebee" spinoff, animated series and video games.
His work as Optimus Prime in the 2010 animated series "Transformers: Prime" earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination.
Cullen was equally beloved for his portrayal of Eeyore, the gloomy donkey from the "Winnie-the-Pooh" franchise. He voiced the character in several productions, including Disney’s "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh", which aired from 1988 to 1991.
At a "Transformers" convention, Cullen once described taking on Eeyore after years of playing Optimus Prime as a “relief”. He later named Eeyore as his favourite character to voice apart from the Autobot leader.
His extensive career also included a variety of memorable roles. Cullen served as the announcer on "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour" in the 1970s, created the iconic clicking sounds of the Predator in the 1987 sci-fi action film, and voiced the villainous KARR in NBC’s "Knight Rider". He also provided the voice of King Kong in the 1976 remake starring Jeff Bridges.
One of his later roles was Thaedus, a Viltrumite defector, in the Prime Video animated series "Invincible", which premiered in 2021.
Born in Montreal on July 28, 1941, Cullen was one of four children of American parents Henry and Muriel Cullen. He graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada in 1963 before joining the repertory company at Toronto’s Crest Theatre.
Cullen is survived by his four children, Angus, Claire, Pilar and Clay.
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