Renowned voice actor Peter Cullen, 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 in his Los Angeles residence. Cullen’s agent, Kevin Motley, confirmed the sad news to CBC News.
Originally from Montreal, Cullen began his career in radio at CKGM before transitioning to television as the announcer for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” on CBS from 1967 to 1969. He lent his voice to various characters, including the giant ape in the 1976 remake of “King Kong” and the monster in “Predator” in 1987.
Fans may recognize Cullen’s distinctive voice from his portrayal of Eeyore in “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” from 1988 to 1991 and his role as Optimus Prime in the “Transformers” franchise. Despite not voicing the character for two decades, Cullen was brought back by director Michael Bay for the 2007 film “Transformers.”
Cullen once revealed at the Calgary Comic Expo in 2015 that his brother Larry, a decorated U.S. Marine, inspired his portrayal of Optimus Prime by emphasizing that true heroism lies in being “strong enough to be gentle.” In a statement following his passing, Cullen’s family honored his legacy and urged fans to embody compassion, integrity, and loyalty in their communities.
Peter Cullen’s contributions to the world of entertainment will be remembered fondly by his numerous friends and admirers worldwide.