Renowned Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, known for his iconic roles as Eeyore in the “Winnie the Pooh” series and Optimus Prime in the “Transformers” franchise, has passed away at the age of 85. Cullen’s agent, Kevin Motley, confirmed the sad news, stating that Cullen died at his residence in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Originally from Montreal, Cullen began his career in radio and later transitioned to television, where he served as the announcer for CBS’s “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” from 1967 to 1969. His vocal talents were also showcased in various films, such as providing the voice for King Kong in the 1976 remake and creating the menacing sounds for the monster in “Predator” in 1987.
Cullen’s distinctive voice resonated with audiences in the 1988-91 series “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” where he first portrayed the character Eeyore. He continued to lend his voice to Eeyore in subsequent productions like the 2002 film “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year.” However, his most notable role was voicing the heroic character Optimus Prime in the “Transformers” series, a role he began in the early ’80s.
In a memorable moment shared at the Calgary Comic Expo in 2015, Cullen revealed that his portrayal of Optimus Prime was inspired by his brother Larry, a decorated U.S. Marine who emphasized the importance of strength in gentleness. Cullen’s family, in announcing his passing, highlighted his enduring legacy and encouraged fans to honor his memory by embodying qualities of compassion, integrity, and loyalty.
Cullen’s contributions to the entertainment industry and his beloved characters have left a lasting impact on fans worldwide, who will continue to cherish his work and remember his profound influence.