Peter Cullen, the legendary voice actor behind Optimus Prime, has died at 85.
The voice actor’s agent said that Cullen died on Wednesday at his Los Angeles home. He was 85.
Cullen’s family shared an emotional statement with the outlet following his death. They said that he “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.”
“His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember ‘be strong enough to be gentle.'”
Peter voiced Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots, in the original 1980s “Transformers” animated TV series. The role made him a cultural icon for generations of fans who grew up with the classic cartoon.
He later reprised the role in the epic film series directed by Michael Bay. Those live-action blockbusters introduced his unmistakable gravelly delivery to an entirely new audience worldwide.
The Canadian-born performer built a career spanning decades in voice acting. Beyond the Transformers universe, he also became known for voicing Eeyore in various Winnie the Pooh projects.
His portrayal of Optimus Prime became the definitive version of the character. Fans and industry peers alike recognized his ability to imbue the Autobot leader with both authority and warmth.
The “be strong enough to be gentle” line in his family’s statement echoed the very ethos Cullen brought to his most famous role. Optimus Prime himself embodied that same balance of power and kindness throughout countless storylines.
Cullen’s death marks the end of an era for the Transformers franchise. He had remained active in the role through recent animated projects and video games, maintaining his connection to the character until his final years.
His influence extended far beyond the recording booth. Convention appearances and interviews revealed a performer who deeply understood the responsibility that came with voicing a hero to millions of children and adults.
In the viral moment that defined his legacy, Cullen first auditioned for Optimus Prime in the early 1980s by drawing inspiration from his older brother Larry, a Marine Corps veteran who had advised him that a real leader spoke with quiet strength rather than bombast. That approach became the foundation for one of the most recognizable voices in entertainment history.
The Transformers franchise continues with multiple projects in various stages of development. Hasbro and Paramount have not announced plans for how the property will address Cullen’s passing going forward.