Tributes pour in for Optimus Prime Voice Actor Peter Cullen

Fans are saying goodbye to a voice that defined generations, after legendary voice actor Peter Cullen, best known as the voice of Optimus Prime, died at the age of 85.

Cullen died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, according to his agent, Kevin Motley. His cause of death has not been disclosed.

Tributes began pouring in following news of his death, with fans remembering Cullen for the distinctive, authoritative voice that made Optimus Prime one of the most recognisable characters in animation.

Cullen first voiced Optimus Prime in the original Transformers animated series in 1984 and later reprised the role in the 1986 animated film and the live-action movie franchise that began in 2007.

His performance became closely associated with the character for generations of Transformers fans, while his wider voice-acting career included Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, KARR in Knight Rider and the vocal effects for the Predator in the 1987 film.

Cullen’s portrayal of Optimus Prime was inspired by his older brother Larry, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He based the character’s calm and authoritative qualities on his brother’s personality.

Fans have since flooded social media with messages of appreciation, describing Cullen’s voice as irreplaceable and crediting him with helping define Optimus Prime for millions of viewers.

Cullen was inducted into the Transformers Hall of Fame in 2010 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

His family has urged those mourning his death to honour his legacy by showing compassion, integrity and loyalty, echoing a message associated with Cullen’s brother: “be strong enough to be gentle.”