Peter Cullen, the renowned Canadian voice actor known for his iconic roles as Eeyore in “Winnie the Pooh” and Optimus Prime in the “Transformers” series, has passed away at the age of 85. His agent, Kevin Motley, confirmed the sad news, stating that Cullen died at his residence in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Originally from Montreal, Cullen began his career in radio on CKGM before transitioning to television as the announcer for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” on CBS between 1967 and 1969. His vocal talents were also featured in the 1976 version of “King Kong” as the voice of the colossal ape and in the 1987 film “Predator,” where he provided chilling creature sounds.
Fans of the 1988-91 series “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” will recognize Cullen as the voice of Eeyore, a role he reprised in the 2002 movie “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” and various other productions. However, his most significant role was voicing the heroic Autobot leader, Optimus Prime, a character he portrayed since the early 1980s.
In 1986, the character’s demise in “The Transformers: The Movie” sparked massive fan outcry, leading to his resurrection in 1987’s “The Transformers: The Return of Optimus Prime.” Despite a hiatus from the role, Cullen was brought back by director Michael Bay in 2007 for the film “Transformers,” alongside stars like Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox.
During the Calgary Comic Expo in 2015, Cullen shared how his late brother Larry, a decorated U.S. Marine, inspired his portrayal of Optimus Prime, emphasizing the importance of being “strong enough to be gentle.” In a statement announcing his passing, Cullen’s family highlighted this sentiment, urging fans to honor his legacy by serving their communities with compassion, integrity, and loyalty.
Peter Cullen’s contributions to the world of entertainment will be cherished by his loved ones and admirers globally, as his unique voice brought beloved characters to life on screen.
