Peter Cullen, the legendary Canadian voice actor whose unmistakable voice brought Optimus Prime to life in Transformers and Eeyore to generations of Winnie the Pooh fans, has died at 85.
Cullen died on August 26, 2026, at his home in Los Angeles, according to his agent Kevin Motley. His family said he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. No cause of death was announced.
For millions of fans, Cullen’s voice was synonymous with Optimus Prime. He originated the role in the 1984 animated Transformers series and continued portraying the heroic Autobot leader across television, movies and video games for decades.
Cullen also became closely associated with Eeyore, the beloved but gloomy donkey from Winnie the Pooh. He first voiced the character in The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and continued in other Disney projects, helping make Eeyore one of his most recognizable performances.
His career extended far beyond those two iconic characters. Cullen worked across television, film, animation and video games, with credits that included Knight Rider, The Smurfs, G.I. Joe and the 1976 King Kong remake. He also provided the distinctive vocal effects for the Predator in the 1987 film Predator.
Cullen’s portrayal of Optimus Prime became especially meaningful because he drew inspiration from his brother Larry, a Vietnam War veteran. That influence helped shape the character’s calm, authoritative and compassionate voice.
In 2023, Cullen received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Children’s and Family Emmy Awards, recognizing a career that had influenced generations of viewers.
His death has prompted tributes from fans and colleagues who remember not only the strength of his voice but also the warmth and humanity he brought to his performances.
Peter Cullen leaves behind a remarkable entertainment legacy. For Transformers fans, his voice helped define one of the most important characters in animation and popular culture. For Winnie the Pooh audiences, his Eeyore remains instantly recognizable.
He is survived by his four children, Angus, Claire, Pilar and Clay.
DLB Music Marketing extends condolences to Peter Cullen’s family, friends, colleagues and fans around the world.
