Peter Cullen, the actor best known for his commanding portrayal of Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise, has died at the age of 85. His family and agent confirmed his passing to TMZ on Wednesday, August 26.
Born in Canada, Cullen amassed a prolific career in television and film since the 1960s, but his most definitive role was that of the Autobot leader. He first voiced Optimus Prime in the original Transformers series and continued to embody the character across numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations. His performances extended to live-action films such as 2023's "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts" and 2017's "Transformers: The Last Knight," as well as video games like the 2010 "Transformers: War for Cybertron."
Beyond the Transformers universe, Cullen's distinctive low-register voice lent itself to many other memorable characters. He voiced Eeyore, the pessimistic donkey in Disney's Winnie the Pooh stories, and portrayed the first Predator in the Predator film franchise. His extensive credits also include roles in "Knight Rider," "Spider-Man," "Voltron," "My Little Pony," "G.I. Joe," and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." More recently, he voiced Thaedus in the animated series "Invincible."
Cullen's family released a statement remembering him as a man who "passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family — and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide." They encouraged others to honor his legacy by "serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle.'"
Fans have taken to social media to share tributes and favorite moments from Cullen's vast career, celebrating his impact on multiple generations of entertainment.