Peter Cullen, the celebrated Canadian voice artist known for portraying Eeyore in the classic “Winnie the Pooh” and lending his voice to Optimus Prime in the iconic “Transformers” series, has passed away. His agent, Kevin Motley, confirmed the sad news, stating that Cullen died at his Los Angeles residence at the age of 85.
Originally from Montreal, Cullen initially showcased his talent on the radio at CKGM before transitioning to television, where he served as the announcer for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” on CBS from 1967 to 1969. Notably, Cullen voiced the giant ape in the 1976 rendition of “King Kong” and provided the menacing sounds for the creature in the 1987 film “Predator.”
Fans, particularly millennials, may recognize Cullen’s voice from his portrayal of Eeyore in the 1988-91 series “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.” He continued to voice Eeyore in various productions, including the 2002 film “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year.” However, his most significant role was as Optimus Prime, the heroic transforming truck, a role he began in the early 1980s.
In 1986, Optimus Prime’s death in a battle with Megatron in “The Transformers: The Movie” caused a massive fan outcry, leading to the character’s revival in 1987’s “The Transformers: The Return of Optimus Prime.” Despite a hiatus from the character, Cullen was brought back by director Michael Bay in 2007 for the film “Transformers,” alongside notable stars like Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox.
During the 2015 Calgary Comic Expo, Cullen shared how his brother Larry, a decorated U.S. Marine, inspired his portrayal of Optimus Prime, emphasizing the essence of being “strong enough to be gentle,” a mantra that resonated deeply with him. Cullen’s family, in a statement following his passing, highlighted his enduring impact on fans worldwide and urged people to honor his legacy by demonstrating compassion, integrity, and loyalty, embodying the spirit of being “strong enough to be gentle.”