Peter Cullen, the prolific Canadian voice actor who starred as Optimus Prime in a series of Transformers films, has sadly died on August 26. He was 85.
The Transformers franchise is as intertwined with the Michael Bay films that started in 2007, as it is with the prolific voice actor who brought Optimus Prime to life since before those films were made. It turns out in this case, Peter Cullen brought the sentient leader to screens in many of those films and in the original 1984 animated series. Peter Cullen, the voice actor who brought the leader of the Autobots to life, has sadly died at his home peacefully at the age of 85.
The report broke from the actor’s family, as they released a statement to the media, “Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family – and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide. His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember ‘be strong enough to be gentle.'”
Cullen took a noted break from the Transformers franchise following two films in the 1980s, and the immense fan outcry followed the death of Optimus Prime in the 1987 film, The Transformers: The Movie. After the outcry led to another film being made (The Transformers: The Return of Optimus Prime) and Cullen reprising his iconic role. In 1984 Peter Cullen also provided voices for Gremlins, at the same time as playing Venger in the early-’80s Dungeons & Dragons cartoon, proving that he was also more than meets the eye.
Regarding his role as Optimus Prime, Cullen said, ““The phenomenon of Transformers itself is mind-shaking,” adding, “Being a part of it is not only historical, it’s a part of your life that says, ‘Gee, I’m glad.’ I did something in my life that stood out, and I’m really grateful for that. Humbled by it.”
Peter Cullen is survived by his children, Angus, Claire, Pilar and Clay, alongside three grandchildren.
