Peter Cullen, Voice Behind Optimus Prime and Eeyore, Dies at 85

Sun Sep 06 2026 00:36:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Veteran voice actor Peter Cullen, known for voicing Optimus Prime in Transformers and Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, has passed away at age 85.

Peter Cullen, celebrated Canadian voice actor, died at his Los Angeles home after a long career that spanned from the 1980s to the present. He lent his deep, resonant voice to iconic characters such as Optimus Prime, Eeyore, and many others across television, film and video games. Cullen earned a Daytime Emmy nomination and a lifetime achievement award at the Children & Family Emmy Awards. His family released a statement expressing gratitude and urging the public to honor his legacy with compassion and strength. Fans worldwide remember him for his memorable performances and the gentle heroism he brought to each role.

Peter Cullen, Voice Behind Optimus Prime and Eeyore, Dies at 85

Peter Cullen, a Canadian voice actor celebrated for bringing legendary characters to life, died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. The 85‑year‑old actor had a career that began in the 1970s and flourished with the iconic roles of Optimus Prime in the 1984 Transformers series and the gentle donkey Eeyore in Disney’s Winnie the Pooh universe.

A Legacy of Voice

Cullen’s deep, resonant voice gave Optimus Prime the gravitas of a true leader, and his portrayals in seven feature films from 2007 to 2023 cemented the character’s place in popular culture. In the world of animation, he also voiced KARR in Knight Rider, the Predator’s vocalisation in the 1987 film, and the iconic roar of King Kong in 1976. His work extended to beloved cartoons such as Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers, Spider‑Man, Alvin & the Chipmunks, and My Little Pony.

The actor’s talent earned a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2011 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Children & Family Emmy Awards in 2023, underscoring his influence in the realm of family‑friendly entertainment.

Family Statement

Cullen’s family shared a statement noting how he passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones. They urged the public to honour his remarkable legacy by serving communities with compassion, integrity, and loyalty, reminding everyone to remember the mantra “be strong enough to be gentle.”

A Voice Remembered

Fans worldwide applauded Cullen’s contributions, sharing nostalgic memories of his signature voice and the heartfelt performances he delivered across decades of entertainment. His work will continue to resonate with audiences young and old, ensuring that the spirit of Optimus Prime and Eeyore lives on for generations to come.