Peter Cullen, the Canadian actor whose resonant timbre became the voice of Optimus Prime and the gentle donkey Eeyore, has died at 85. The American television pioneer began his career in Canadian radio and the Sonny & Cher Show before dedicating his craft to voice acting.
He first voiced the heroic, deep‑voiced Optimus Prime for the 1984 Transformers TV series and later reprised the role in seven blockbuster films from 2007 to 2023. That iconic voice was the backbone of the franchise’s enduring popularity. On the other end of the spectrum, he lent his voice to the solemn donkey “Eeyore” in The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and other related animated releases.
Cullen’s range extended beyond these two figures: he voiced Karr in the TV series Knight Rider, the clicking vocalisations of The Predator in Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 1987 film, and the roaring King Kong in the 1976 film. His work also appears in 1980s and 90s series such as Spider‑Man, Donkey Kong, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Dungeons & Dragons, My Little Pony, Duck‑Tales and Gummi Bears.
Cullen was recognised for his contributions, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination for outstanding performer in an animated programme in 2011 and receiving a lifetime achievement award at the Children’s & Family Emmys in 2023.
He died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, a statement said. Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family – and held in the hearts of countless fans worldwide.
His family requested that others honor his legacy by serving their communities and leading with compassion, integrity and loyalty, urging everyone to remember his own words: He said, 'Don't go yelling and screaming. He's strong enough to be gentle.'
— Ian Youngs, Culture Reporter
