Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime, Dies at 85

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:48:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, famed for voicing Optimus Prime in Transformers and Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, has died at 85.

Peter Cullen, the iconic voice behind Transformers’ Optimus Prime and Disney’s Winnie the Pooh’s Eeyore, passed away at 85. The Canadian actor’s career spanned decades, providing memorable voices for series like Knight Rider, Spider‑Man, and My Little Pony. Cullen’s legacy, highlighted by his Emmy nomination and lifetime achievement award, was honored by his family and fans worldwide. He died peacefully at his Los Angeles home surrounded by family. Cullen’s distinctive deep voice remains a cultural touchstone for generations.

Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime, Dies at 85

By Ian Youngs

Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, famed for voicing the heroic deep‑voiced Optimus Prime in the 1980s Transformers television series and later the Hollywood film adaptations, has died at the age of 85.

Cullen’s career began on Canadian radio and television, and he later became a staple of voice acting, most notably lending his resonant voice to Eeyore in the Disney feature video series The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and other related films and games.

Other notable roles included the sinister KARR on Knight Rider, the iconic vocalisations of the Predator in the 1987 film, and the roaring Tiger King Kong in the 1976 film. He also voiced characters in popular 1980s and 1990s animated series such as Spider‑Man, My Little Pony, Duck Tales, Gummi Bears, and Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers.

Cullen passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home surrounded by family. A statement said: Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family—and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide. His family asks that you honour his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity and loyalty and always remember 'be strong enough to be gentle'.. />

The actor began concentrating on voice work after early stints on Canadian shows and a regular spot on The Sonny & Cher Show, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable voices in animation. He earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for outstanding performer in an animated program in 2011 and received a lifetime achievement award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023.

Cullen’s brother, a decorated US Marine and Vietnam War veteran, advised him to play Optimus Prime as a real hero rather than a Hollywood type, influencing the character’s calm yet powerful tone. Cullen kept a portion of the wages he earned from the role for his brother until his death. His enduring voice is a staple in pop culture, celebrated by fans worldwide.