The esteemed Canadian actor and voice icon, Peter Cullen, who is globally recognized for his role as the voice of Optimus Prime, has died at 85 years old.
As per a statement from his family, Cullen peacefully departed this world on Wednesday at his residence in Los Angeles, surrounded by his loved ones.
The family has not revealed the cause of his passing. Cullen became a prominent figure in 1984 when he first voiced Optimus Prime, the noble leader of the Autobots, in the original Transformers animated series.
His powerful voice and unforgettable delivery transformed the character into one of the most cherished heroes in animation history.
He later reprised this role in several blockbuster live-action Transformers films, starting with Michael Bay’s 2007 adaptation, which introduced the character to a new generation of fans.
In addition to Transformers, Cullen had a remarkable career that spanned several decades. He voiced Eeyore, the gentle and melancholic donkey in various Winnie the Pooh productions, and also contributed his voice to many other beloved characters, including K.A.R.R. in Knight Rider.
Moreover, he provided the unique vocal effects for the terrifying Predator in the 1987 sci-fi classic Predator. His portrayal of Optimus Prime has left an indelible impact on popular culture.
When the character was killed off in The Transformers: The Movie in 1986, fans expressed widespread grief and outrage, leading to calls for the beloved Autobot leader’s return.