Renowned Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, known for his iconic roles as Eeyore in “Winnie the Pooh” and Optimus Prime in the “Transformers” series, has passed away at the age of 85 in his Los Angeles home. Cullen’s agent, Kevin Motley, confirmed the sad news to CBC News.
Originally from Montreal, Cullen started his career on the radio at CKGM before transitioning to television as the announcer for “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” on CBS from 1967 to 1969. His voice talents were also showcased in the 1976 version of “King Kong” as the voice of the giant ape and in the monster sounds for “Predator” in 1987.
Fans of the 1988-91 series “The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh” may recognize Cullen as the voice of the lovable donkey Eeyore. He continued to voice Eeyore in various projects, including the 2002 film “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Merry Pooh Year.” However, his most prominent role was as the voice of Optimus Prime, the leader of the Autobots in the “Transformers” franchise.
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 being “strong enough to be gentle.” Cullen’s family reflected on this sentiment in their announcement of his passing, urging fans to honor his legacy by embodying qualities of compassion, integrity, and loyalty.
Cullen’s contribution to the world of voice acting has left a lasting impact on his numerous friends and fans globally, who will cherish his memory for years to come.