Peter Cullen, the iconic voice actor behind some of the most beloved characters in entertainment, has passed away at 85. Known for bringing to life Optimus Prime from the Transformers series and Eeyore from the Winnie the Pooh franchise, Cullen died at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement from his family.
Originally from Montreal, Peter Cullen’s career began in Canadian television and radio before he became a staple in the world of voice acting. He first lent his voice to Optimus Prime in the 1984 Transformers animated series, a role that would define his career. Cullen reprised this role in seven major motion pictures from 2007 to 2023, along with a number of spin-offs, solidifying his status as an enduring figure in popular culture.
Cullen’s talents extended beyond the world of Transformers. He became the voice of Eeyore, the downcast donkey from Winnie the Pooh, for The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and continued to voice the character in various other television shows, films, and video games. His voice became synonymous with Eeyore’s gentle, melancholic personality.
In addition to these roles, Cullen voiced KARR, the villainous counterpart to KITT, in the classic series Knight Rider. He also contributed to the 1987 action film Predator by providing the creature’s distinctive clicking sounds and voiced King Kong in the 1976 film remake. His older brother Larry, a former US Marine Corps captain, played a pivotal role in shaping Cullen’s portrayal of Optimus Prime, encouraging him to infuse the character with a heroic yet non-aggressive demeanor.
Cullen’s portrayal of Optimus Prime earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2011, and his contributions to the industry were further recognized with a lifetime achievement award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023. Over the decades, Cullen’s work left an indelible mark on animation and science fiction, securing his legacy as a significant contributor to the world of entertainment.