Peter Cullen, the prolific voice actor whose unmistakable baritone brought some of animation’s most recognizable characters to life, has died. He was 85.
Cullen died Wednesday, August 26, at his home in Los Angeles, his agent Kevin Motley confirmed. According to a statement from his family, he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born in Montreal in 1941, Cullen built a career spanning more than six decades, but it was his portrayal of Optimus Prime that became his signature. He originated the voice of the heroic Autobot leader in the 1984 animated series The Transformers, creating the commanding yet compassionate sound that would define the character for generations.
Cullen returned to Optimus Prime repeatedly across television, video games and feature films. He voiced the character throughout Michael Bay’s live action Transformers films and most recently in 2023’s Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.
His voice acting career extended far beyond the Transformers universe. Cullen was also widely known as the melancholy voice of Eeyore in numerous Winnie the Pooh productions. His other credits included Monterey Jack in Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, KARR in Knight Rider, characters in The Smurfs and G.I. Joe, and vocal effects for the extraterrestrial hunter in the 1987 film Predator.
In 2023, Cullen received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards, recognizing a career that helped shape the sound of television and animation for decades.
Cullen is survived by his four children, Angus, Claire, Pilar and Clay.
Hasbro put out a statement:
Peter’s award-winning career spanned six decades of work in animation, film and broadcast. He gave Optimus Prime his voice and he shaped how millions of people first came to understand courage, sacrifice, and leadership.
The origin story of Optimus Prime is well known among fans: Peter auditioned for the role in 1984 with his big brother, Larry Cullen, in mind. A Marine veteran who served in Vietnam, Larry told him, “If you’re going to be a hero, be a real hero. Be strong enough to be gentle. Be compassionate, understanding, and be true.” That instruction became the character: a leader that never postures or patronizes. A leader that commands respect through dignity and self-sacrifice.
Many of us at Hasbro were fortunate enough to spend time with Peter over the years, and what always stood out was the warmth, the humility, and the quiet strength. Optimus Prime wasn’t a character performance for Peter; it was simply a reflection of the man underneath.
Everyone at Hasbro extends our deepest condolences to Peter’s family, friends, and the millions of fans around the world who feel this loss.
Rest easy, Peter. Till all are one.
