Transformers Voice Actor Peter Cullen Dies at 85

Peter Claver Cullen, renowned for voicing Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise, died at the age of 85 on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. His death was confirmed to the Los Angeles Times by his agent, Kevin Motley.

Cullen's family stated he "passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family." He was celebrated for his extensive career in television, films, video games, and theme park rides, with notable roles including the giant ape in the 1976 King Kong remake and KARR in Knight Rider. Cullen originated the role of Optimus Prime in the 1980s animated series and reprised it in multiple films, including the live-action Transformers series starting in 2007.

He also voiced Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh productions. Cullen received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Transformers: Prime in 2011 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards in 2023.

Born on July 28, 1941, in Montreal, he is survived by four children.