Optimus Prime and Eeyore voice actor Peter Cullen dies
Cullen voiced the heroic Optimus Prime in the Transformers TV series and then the Hollywood films.
Peter Cullen, the voice behind beloved characters such as Optimus Prime from *Transformers* and Eeyore from Disney's *Winnie the Pooh* franchise, has passed away at 85.
The Canadian actor first brought the heroic, deep-voiced Optimus Prime to life in the 1984 *Transformers* TV series. He reprised the role for seven Hollywood films between 2007 and 2023, as well as various spin-offs.
Cullen also lent his voice to the melancholic donkey Eeyore, beginning with the TV animation *The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh* in the late 1980s, and continuing through numerous related shows, films, and games.
His other notable voice credits include KARR, the antagonist to KITT in the TV series *Knight Rider*; the distinctive clicking sounds of The Predator in Arnold Schwarzenegger's 1987 film; and the roars of King Kong in the 1976 movie.
A statement confirmed that Cullen died peacefully on Wednesday at his Los Angeles home. "Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family - and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide," the statement read. "His family asks that you honour his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle'."
Cullen's career began in Canadian television and radio, and he was a regular on programs like *The Sonny & Cher Show* before focusing on voice acting.
His iconic Optimus Prime voice was inspired by his older brother, a decorated US Marine and Vietnam War veteran. His brother advised him to portray the character as "a real hero, don't be a Hollywood hero." He recalled his brother saying, "'Don't go yelling and screaming. He's strong enough to be gentle.' And that resonated with me, and I could hear his voice all the way to the audition. When he drops down, when he gets serious, is where I found Optimus Prime." Cullen shared a portion of his Optimus Prime earnings with his brother until his brother's passing.
Cullen's portrayal of Optimus Prime earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2011 for outstanding performer in an animated program. He was also honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards in 2023.
Among his other roles, Cullen voiced Monterey Jack in *Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers* and contributed to numerous 1980s and 90s animated series, including *Spider-Man*, *Donkey Kong*, *Alvin & the Chipmunks*, *Dungeons & Dragons*, *My Little Pony*, *Duck Tales*, and *Gummi Bears*.