Peter Cullen, Transformers Voice Actor, Dies at 85
Peter Cullen died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. His agent confirmed the death; no cause was given.
- 85 years old at the time of his death, Cullen was born in Montreal in 1941.
- His credits numbered in the hundreds across animation, film, and video games.
- Other roles included Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, KARR in Knight Rider, and Mario in the 1980s Donkey Kong animated series.
- Most recently, he played Thaedus in Prime Video's Invincible.
Why it matters: Cullen originated Optimus Prime's deep, authoritative voice in the original 1980s series and reprised it in the Michael Bay live-action films and subsequent video games.
- His brother Larry served as the inspiration for the Optimus Prime voice.
How 34 sources split on this story
Center coverage, 15 sources: The center focuses on the factual record of his career milestones and the family's statement, letting his breadth of credits speak for themselves.
TMZ1w+'Transformers' Voice Actor Peter Cullen Dead at 85
Deadline1w+Peter Cullen Dies: Voice Of Optimus Prime In ‘Transformers’ Was 85
Forbes1w+Peter Cullen, ‘Transformers’ Optimus Prime Voice Actor, Dies At 85
Associated Press1w+Murió Peter Cullen, prolífico actor de voz que dio a Optimus Prime su barítono autoritarioCNCTV News1w+The Canadian voice of Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers’ has died
BBC News1w+Peter Cullen: Optimus Prime and Eeyore voice actor diesKAKXAN Austin1w+Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime in 'Transformers,' dies at 85
Newsweek1w+Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime, has diedTNDThe National Desk1w+Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime in 'Transformers,' dead at 85
USA Today1w+Peter Cullen, Optimus Prime voice in 'Transformers,' dies at 85WNWESH 2 News1w+Peter Cullen, known for voicing characters Optimus Prime and Eeyore, dead at 85WNCWFLA News Channel 81w+Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime in 'Transformers,' dies at 85Left coverage, 9 sources: The left frames Cullen as a generational creative force whose voice work defined the emotional core of beloved characters across decades of American animation.
Variety1w+Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime and Eeyore, Dies at 85
Gizmodo1w+Long-Time Optimus Prime Voice Actor Peter Cullen Has Died
The Independent1w+Peter Cullen, who voiced Optimus Prime in Transformers, dies aged 85EsqEsquire1w+Peter Cullen Put More Heart Into Optimus Prime Than You Knew
Hollywood Reporter1w+Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers,’ Dies at 85
Los Angeles Times1w+Peter Cullen dead: The voice of Optimus Prime, Eeyore was 85TBGThe Boston Globe1w+Peter Cullen, prolific voice actor, has died
The Guardian1w+Actor Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime and Eeyore, dies aged 85
The Washington Post1w+Peter Cullen, who voiced Optimus Prime in Transformers, dies at 85Right coverage, 10 sources: The right highlights his most recognizable mainstream roles — Optimus Prime in the Michael Bay films and Eeyore — emphasizing his connection to popular franchise entertainment.
Daily Mail1w+Transformers star Peter Cullen dead at 85: Actor voiced Optimus Prime and also played Winnie the Pooh's Eeyore
One America News1w+Peter Cullen, prolific voice actor who gave Optimus Prime his authoritative baritone, has died
Breitbart News1w+Peter Cullen, Voice of 'Transformers,' 'Winnie the Pooh' Characters, Dies at 85
New York Post1w+Iconic 'Transformers' voice actor Peter Cullen dead at 85
NTD1w+Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime in 'Transformers,' Dies at 85
The Daily Caller1w+‘Transformers’ Icon Peter Cullen, Legendary Voice Of Optimus Prime, Dead At 85
The Daily Wire1w+The Voice Behind A Beloved Disney Character Has Died
The Epoch Times1w+Peter Cullen, Who Voiced Optimus Prime in ‘Transformers,’ Dies at 85
The Sun1w+Legendary actor who voiced Optimus Prime in Transformers dies aged 85
The Washington Times1w+Optimus Prime voice actor Peter Cullen dies at 85What’s next: His family released a statement asking fans to lead with compassion, integrity, and loyalty.
- The cause of Cullen's death has not been disclosed.
- No details about memorial services or plans for the Optimus Prime role going forward have been announced.