Renowned Canadian actor Peter Cullen, whose distinctive voice brought life to iconic characters such as Optimus Prime in the Transformers series and Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh franchise, has passed away at 85. Cullen died peacefully at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday, surrounded by his family, as confirmed by a family statement.
Born in Montreal, Cullen’s career began in Canadian television and radio, eventually leading him to become one of the most prominent voice actors in the industry. He first lent his voice to Optimus Prime in the 1984 Transformers animated series and continued to portray the heroic character in seven Hollywood films from 2007 to 2023, along with numerous spin-offs. His portrayal of Optimus Prime has left an indelible mark on the character, cementing Cullen’s legacy in popular culture.
Cullen’s versatility as a voice actor also led him to embody the beloved Eeyore, the gloomy yet endearing donkey from Winnie the Pooh. He voiced Eeyore in The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and continued to do so in various television programs, films, and video games. Beyond these roles, Cullen’s notable work included voicing KARR, the villainous counterpart to KITT in Knight Rider, and providing the unique clicking sounds for the creature in the 1987 film Predator. Additionally, he gave voice to King Kong in the 1976 film remake.
Cullen often credited his older brother Larry, a former US Marine Corps captain, for influencing the development of Optimus Prime’s character. Larry advised him to portray Optimus as a true hero—strong yet not aggressive, a sentiment that resonated deeply with audiences. This portrayal earned Cullen a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2011 and, more recently, a lifetime achievement award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023.
Over the span of his illustrious career, Peter Cullen’s voice became synonymous with some of the most memorable animated and science fiction characters, earning him a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment. His remarkable achievements and contributions to the field of voice acting have endeared him to fans across generations, ensuring his influence will be felt for years to come.