Peter Cullen, the revered voice actor best known for bringing Optimus Prime to life, has died at the age of 85. His agent confirmed his passing, marking the end of an era for Transformers fans worldwide.
Cullen's iconic, gravelly delivery became synonymous with the Autobot leader starting in the original 1980s animated series and continued through numerous films, animated shows, and video games. His portrayal of Optimus Prime was characterized by a deep sense of honor, compassion, and unwavering resolve, making the character a beloved figure for multiple generations.
According to a statement shared with TMZ, Cullen passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. The statement also included a poignant message from his family: "His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle.'"
Cullen's career spanned decades, but it was his work as Optimus Prime that cemented his legacy in popular culture. He first voiced the character in the original Transformers cartoon and went on to reprise the role in the live-action Michael Bay films, including "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," and various other iterations of the franchise.