Veteran Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, whose distinctive baritone made Optimus Prime one of the most recognisable characters in animation, has died at the age of 85.
Cullen died on August 26, 2026, at his home in Los Angeles, according to his agent. His family said he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a statement, Cullen’s family described him as a beloved figure whose work touched audiences across generations. They urged fans to honour his legacy through compassion, integrity and loyalty, while remembering the message, “be strong enough to be gentle.”
Cullen became internationally recognised after taking on the role of Optimus Prime in the original Transformers animated television series in 1984. His calm but commanding delivery became closely associated with the Autobots’ leader and remained a defining feature of the character for decades.
He later returned to the role in animated productions, video games and the live-action Transformers movies. Cullen most recently voiced Optimus Prime in Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, released in 2023.
His career, however, extended well beyond Transformers. Cullen was also widely known for voicing Eeyore in Disney’s Winnie the Pooh productions. His other credits included KARR in Knight Rider, King Kong in the 1976 film and the distinctive vocal effects of the Predator in the 1987 science-fiction movie.
Cullen’s portrayal of Optimus Prime was reportedly influenced by his older brother Larry, a US Marine and Vietnam War veteran. Cullen said his brother encouraged him to portray the character as a strong but compassionate hero.
His decades-long career earned him widespread recognition, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023.
Cullen’s death marks the passing of one of the most influential voice performers in modern animation, leaving behind a legacy that spans television, film, video games and generations of fans worldwide.
