Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime and Eeyore, dies at 85

Peter Cullen, the celebrated voice actor behind Optimus Prime and Eeyore, passed away at the age of 85 on Wednesday. His agent, Kevin Motley, confirmed the news in a statement. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that people honor Cullen's legacy by serving their communities with compassion, integrity, and loyalty. Cullen's illustrious career began in the late-1960s with his role as an announcer on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, later joining sketches for Sonny & Cher.

He went on to voice characters in The Smurfs, multiple G.I. Joe iterations, and Winnie the Pooh. However, it was his role as Optimus Prime in the Transformers series that truly struck a chord with audiences worldwide. The original cartoon, though short-lived, left a lasting impact on pop culture and led to the creation of a toy line, spin-off series, and comics over the next two decades.

This ultimately culminated in a multibillion-dollar live-action film franchise in 2007. Cullen's powerful baritone voice brought life to Optimus Prime, with memorable quotes resonating with generations. His thoughtful and operatic delivery left a lasting impression, earning him a lifetime achievement award at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards in 2023.

Fans from all generations fondly remember Cullen's appearances at conventions, where parents often got more emotional than their children. His diverse voice work included voicing the villain KARR in Knight Rider and King Kong in the 1976 remake, as well as providing the clicking sounds for the alien creature in Predator. Cullen's legacy as a voice actor will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain for years to come.