Optimus Prime and Eeyore voice actor Peter Cullen dies

Peter Cullen, the Canadian voice actor best known for bringing Optimus Prime to life in the original *Transformers* television series and its subsequent Hollywood films, died at the age of 85 on Wednesday. The actor passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family, according to a statement released by his representatives.

Cullen’s career spanned more than five decades, beginning with work in Canadian television and radio before he became a regular on *The Sonny & Cher Show*. He later shifted his focus to voice work, a move that led to his most iconic role. In 1984 he was cast as Optimus Prime in the animated series *The Transformers*, a voice he maintained for the 2007‑2023 film series and various spin‑offs. His deep, heroic tone became a cultural touchstone for the franchise’s fan base.

The actor also voiced Eeyore, the melancholy donkey, in *The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh* and other Disney productions. His range extended to other high‑profile characters: KARR in *Knight Rider*, the Predator’s vocalisations in the 1987 film *Predator*, and the roar of King Kong in the 1976 remake. Cullen’s work appeared in a wide array of animated series, including *Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers*, *Spider-Man*, *Donkey Kong*, *Alvin & the Chipmunks*, *Dungeons & Dragons*, *My Little Pony*, *Duck Tales*, and *Gummi Bears*.

In recognition of his contributions to children’s entertainment, Cullen received a lifetime achievement award at the 2023 Children & Family Emmy Awards. Earlier, in 2011, he earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program for his portrayal of Optimus Prime.

Cullen’s approach to the Optimus Prime character was influenced by his older brother, a decorated U.S. Marine and Vietnam War veteran. The brother advised him to embody the character as “a real hero, not a Hollywood hero,” emphasizing a calm strength rather than aggression. Cullen credited this guidance as a key factor in shaping the voice that would become synonymous with the Autobots’ leader.

Throughout his career, Cullen remained generous to his family, reportedly giving a portion of his earnings from the Optimus Prime role to his brother. He continued to work in voice acting until his death, leaving a legacy that spanned both action‑adventure and family‑friendly franchises.

The Cullen family requested that fans honour his memory by living with compassion, integrity, and loyalty, and by remembering the lesson his brother imparted: “be strong enough to be gentle.” The statement also thanked the countless friends and fans who had supported him over the years.

Cullen’s passing marks the loss of a prolific voice actor whose work shaped the soundscape of several generations of children and adults. His recordings will continue to resonate in the enduring popularity of the franchises he helped bring to life.