Peter Cullen cause of death: What happened to the voice actor behind Optimus Prime and Winnie-the-Pooh?

Peter Cullen, the renowned Hollywood voice actor behind iconic characters like Optimus Prime and Eeyore, has passed away at the age of 85. The Los Angeles-based actor was found to have died peacefully in his home, according to a statement from his agent, Kevin Motley. No official cause of death has been released. Cullen's family requested that fans honor his remarkable legacy by showing compassion, integrity, and loyalty in their own lives.

Born in Montreal in 1941, Cullen began his career in radio and television before becoming one of animation's most recognizable voices. In addition to voicing Optimus Prime in Transformers and Eeyore in Winnie-the-Pooh, he lent his voice to characters in King Kong, G.I. Joe, Voltron, Ghostbusters, and Spider-Man, among many other animated and live-action productions.

Cullen's health had been a concern for fans as it had deteriorated in 2024, leading to a significant decrease in his public appearances. However, he continued to make occasional appearances, including at the TFcon in Baltimore in November 2024, which had to be canceled due to his health. Despite his recent health scare, Cullen was active in fan circuits in 2026, attending conventions in Los Angeles, Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and Monroeville, Pennsylvania. His sudden and unexpected passing has left many longtime fans in shock.