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. His agent, Kevin Motley, confirmed the sad news, stating that Cullen died at his residence in Los Angeles.
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. In notable performances, he lent his voice to the giant ape in the 1976 remake of “King Kong” and the menacing sounds of the monster in “Predator” in 1987.
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 film “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year” and other productions. However, his most significant portrayal was that of the heroic Autobot leader Optimus Prime, which he first voiced in the early ’80s.
In a memorable moment at the Calgary Comic Expo in 2015, Cullen revealed 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.” Following Cullen’s passing, his family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, urging fans to honor his legacy by embodying compassion, integrity, and loyalty.
Peter Cullen’s contributions to the world of entertainment will be cherished by his friends and admirers worldwide, leaving behind a lasting impact on the industry.