In brief
Peter Cullen, 85, passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home. The Canadian artist gave life to iconic characters such as Optimus Prime in the 1984 Transformers series and the sad donkey Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh. His voice shaped countless animated shows, films, and games, earning him a Daytime Emmy nomination and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. A storyteller, he was inspired by his veteran brother to deliver a hero voice that was both powerful and gentle, and he shared the rewards of his career with his family.
Peter Cullen, age 85, has died at his home in Los Angeles. He is best known for giving the deep, heroic voice of Optimus Prime in the 1984 Transformers TV series and continued to voice the character in seven Hollywood films from 2007 to 2023.
His talent wasn’t limited to robots: Cullen voiced the gloomy donkey Eeyore in Disney’s Winnie the Pooh series, bringing the character’s melancholy to screens worldwide. He also lent his voice to KARR in Knight Rider, the Predator’s clicking sounds in 1987’s Predator, and King Kong’s roar in 1976.
A proud Canadian, Cullen’s legacy is revered by fans of animation, sci‑fi and classic cinema. His award highlights include a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2011 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023.
Cullen’s voice had a family influence: his older brother, a decorated US Marine and Vietnam War veteran, urged him to stay “strong enough to be gentle.” That philosophy echoed through every greeting of Optimus Prime and every sigh of Eeyore.
He passed away surrounded by loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of tones that taught fans the power of silence, courage and compassion.
