Peter Cullen, the iconic voice of Optimus Prime throughout the Transformers franchise, and several other characters throughout film and TV, has died. The actor was 85. Cullen died in his sleep, accompanied by his family. His family has provided the following statement:
[Peter Cullen] passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family — and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide. [We ask] that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty, and always remember ‘be strong enough to be gentle.
Optimus Prime is one of Peter Cullen’s most iconic roles, and he voiced him in countless pieces of Transformers media, including the original 80s cartoon and all installments of Michael Bay’s live-action films. However, Cullen’s voice roles are quite extensive. These include voicing Eeyore in several pieces of Winnie the Pooh media for Disney; King Kong in the 1986 remake; Monterey Jack in Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers; King Alfor in the Lion Voltron series; Commander James Hawkins in the Vehicle Voltron series; and Councilor 1 in Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. One of his most recent voiceover roles is Thaedus in the Prime Video animated series Invincible. Cullen will be missed by fans of several of these franchises.
The beloved actor is survived by his four children.
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