Legendary actor Peter Cullen who voiced Transformers’ Optimus Prime is dead

The Canadian-born actor became a global household name after voicing Optimus Prime, the heroic leader of the Autobots, in the original 1984 animated Transformers series. He later reprised the role in several live-action Transformers films beginning with Michael Bay’s 2007 blockbuster adaptation.

Legendary voice actor Peter Cullen, the man whose powerful voice brought the iconic Transformers character Optimus Prime to life, has died at the age of 85.

Cullen died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family, according to a statement released by his family. His cause of death was not disclosed.

The Canadian-born actor became a global household name after voicing Optimus Prime, the heroic leader of the Autobots, in the original 1984 animated Transformers series. He later reprised the role in several live-action Transformers films beginning with Michael Bay’s 2007 blockbuster adaptation.

Beyond Transformers, Cullen also won the hearts of fans worldwide as the voice of Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, a role he played in several animated projects. He also lent his voice to King Kong in the 1976 remake, K.A.R.R. in Knight Rider, and provided the terrifying vocal effects for the Predator in the 1987 science-fiction classic starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Cullen’s portrayal of Optimus Prime became one of the most recognised voices in animation history. The character’s death in The Transformers: The Movie (1986) sparked a huge emotional reaction from fans, with many demanding the return of the beloved Autobot leader.

Reflecting on his legendary role, Cullen once described returning to Optimus Prime decades later as “slipping into an old pair of very comfortable shoes,” saying he was grateful to be part of a franchise that had become a global phenomenon.

The family described Cullen as a man remembered not only for his voice but for his compassion, integrity and the lasting impact he made on generations of fans.

He is survived by his four children — Angus, Claire, Pilar and Clay.