Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime and Eeyore, Dies at 85

August 28, 2026 | 11:03 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Peter Cullen, the voice actor best known for voicing Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise, passed away at the age of 85. He also gained widespread recognition for voicing Eeyore in various Winnie the Pooh projects. 

His agent, Kevin Motley, told The Hollywood Reporter that Cullen died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles. He said he “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family” and remembered by friends and fans around the world.

Cullen’s portrayal of Optimus Prime became one of the most recognizable performances in animated television and film. His deep, commanding voice helped define the heroic Autobot leader for generations of Transformers fans.

His connection to the franchise began with the original animated series The Transformers from 1984 to 1987. Cullen later returned to the character in numerous Transformers productions, including Michael Bay's Transformers installment.

The voice actor earned a Daytime Emmy nomination for his performance in the first season of the Transformers: Prime series in 2010-2013.

Beyond Optimus Prime, Cullen was beloved for his performance as Eeyore, the gloomy but gentle donkey from the Winnie the Pooh universe. He began voicing the character on the 1988-1991 series The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.

Cullen’s career extended well beyond those two iconic characters. The Canadian, who received theatrical training, contributed his distinctive vocal talents to productions featuring characters such as King Kong and the Predator. 

Cullen’s death marks the passing of a voice that helped shape popular culture across generations. His work as Optimus Prime and Eeyore leaves behind a lasting legacy among fans of both Transformers and Winnie the Pooh.

Read: Tim Curry, of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' Dies at 80

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