Voice actor Peter Cullen, known for Transformers and Winnie the Pooh, passes away at 85
Peter Cullen, the Canadian actor who voiced Optimus Prime in Transformers and Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, has died at 85. He passed away at his home in Los Angeles. Cullen also contributed to films like Predator and Knight Rider.
Cullen’s career spanned decades, beginning in Canadian radio and television before he moved to Los Angeles. His portrayal of Optimus Prime drew on advice from his late brother Larry, a Marine Corps veteran, who urged him to convey quiet strength rather than bombastic heroism. Cullen shared his Transformers earnings with Larry until 2011. Beyond animation, he created the Predator’s distinctive clicking sounds and voiced KARR in Knight Rider. He received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 2011 and a lifetime achievement award in 2023.
Cullen’s death may resonate most with generations who grew up with his characters, reinforcing the emotional bonds audiences form with voice actors. His Optimus Prime, in particular, became a model of principled leadership for many fans, so his passing could prompt reflection on how fictional voices shape real-world values. The tributes may also highlight the often-underrecognized craft of voice acting, potentially increasing appreciation for performers who work behind the screen.