Peter Cullen Dies at 85

Legendary Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, the definitive and iconic voice of Optimus Prime in Transformers, has passed away at age 85 in Los Angeles.

Cullen’s family confirmed he passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at his home.

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Cullen famously modeled Optimus Prime's calm, gentle tone after his brother Larry, a Vietnam veteran who told him to be a real hero.

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From the original 1984 animated series to Michael Bay’s live-action blockbusters, Cullen voiced the Autobot leader for over four decades.

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Beyond Transformers, Cullen brought life to iconic characters like Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh and voiced the title creature in 1987’s Predator.

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His family asked fans worldwide to honor his legacy by leading others with compassion, reminding all to "be strong enough to be gentle".

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Fans, animators, and Hollywood creators are sharing tributes to honor the legendary voice that inspired generations of heroic leadership.

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