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Voice actor Peter Cullen, who gave Optimus Prime his baritone, has died
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Peter Cullen, renowned voice actor best known for voicing Optimus Prime in the 1984 "Transformers" series and Eeyore in the "Winnie the Pooh" franchise, has died at age 85 in Los Angeles.
- Cullen's career spanned decades, including work on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour," "The Smurfs," multiple "G.I. Joe" series, and voicing the villain KARR in "Knight Rider."
- His portrayal of Optimus Prime became iconic, influencing a multibillion-dollar franchise with several live-action films from 2007 to 2023, and his voice lines remain widely quoted.
- Cullen received a lifetime achievement award at the 2023 Children’s & Family Emmy Awards and was nominated for a Daytime Emmy for his role as Optimus Prime in 2011.
- He is survived by his four children and is remembered for his compassionate legacy and deep connection with fans across generations.
