LOS ANGELES, CA — Peter Cullen, the prolific voice actor best known as Optimus Prime in the "Transformers" franchise and Eeyore in numerous "Winnie the Pooh" projects, has died. He was 85.
Cullen died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home, his agent told the Hollywood Reporter and Variety. His family said he died peacefully surrounded by loved ones.
The Montreal-born actor became one of animation's most recognizable voices after originating Optimus Prime on the animated series "The Transformers," which debuted in 1984, according to THR. He went on to play the heroic leader of the Autobots across television shows, movies and video games for decades.
Cullen said he modeled Optimus Prime's calm authority on his older brother Larry, a decorated U.S. Marine who served in Vietnam, Variety reported. Cullen later returned to the role for Michael Bay's 2007 live-action "Transformers" movie and several sequels, introducing his version of the character to a new generation of fans.
His work as Optimus Prime on the 2010 animated series "Transformers: Prime" earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination.
Cullen also became closely associated with Eeyore, beginning with Disney's "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh," which aired from 1988 to 1991. He continued voicing the melancholy donkey in later television shows and films, according to THR.
His credits extended well beyond those two signature roles. Cullen voiced the villainous K.A.R.R. on "Knight Rider," King Kong in the 1976 "King Kong" remake and Monterey Jack on "Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers." He also created the distinctive clicking sounds made by the alien creature in the 1987 film "Predator," according to the publication.
Before becoming primarily known for voice work, Cullen appeared in comedy programs including "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" and "The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour." Born July 28, 1941, in Montreal, he graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada in 1963 before eventually moving to Hollywood, Variety reported.
Cullen is survived by his children, Angus, Claire, Pilar and Clay, according to the reports.
In announcing his death, Cullen's family asked fans to honor his legacy through compassion, integrity and service to their communities while remembering a phrase closely associated with him: "be strong enough to be gentle."
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Los Angeles Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.