Voice actor Peter Cullen, wey give Optimus Prime im iconic voice for the Transformers franchise, don die. He be 85 years old.
Cullen die for im house for Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug. 26. Im agent, Kevin Motley, confirm the matter to USA TODAY. Im family release statement say: “Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by im loving family – and held for the hearts of im many friends and countless fans worldwide.” Dem no share the cause of death.
Cullen voice Optimus Prime, leader of the Autobots, for Transformers from the original animated series for the 1980s, down to the modern live-action movies. E bring the character to big screen for “The Transformers: The Movie,” wey dey celebrate im 40th anniversary this year. The 1986 film famously make fans sad when dem kill Optimus Prime, though the character later return.
For 2007, Cullen return as the voice of Optimus Prime for Michael Bay’s live-action “Transformers” movie, and e repeat the character for the sequels, including the latest one, 2023’s “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.”
For one 2011 interview with USA TODAY, Cullen talk how im brother wey be former captain for Marine Corps inspire am when e first audition for the role. E say: “One morning when I was on my way to the audition, he asked me where I was going and I told him I’m about to audition for a hero and it’s a truck.” Im brother laugh and tell am make e no be Hollywood hero wey dey yell and scream. E say: “Be a real hero and you can be strong enough to be gentle and understanding.” Cullen say e easy to imitate im brother because their voice similar.
Apart from Optimus Prime, Cullen also voice Eeyore for plenty “Winnie the Pooh” projects. For the 2011 interview, e name Eeyore as im “next favorite” character after Optimus Prime. E also do voice work for King Kong for the 1976 movie, and for the Predator for the original “Predator” film. Im other work include Monterey Jack for “Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers” and, recently, Thaedus for the Prime Video animated series “Invincible.”
For 2023, e receive a lifetime achievement award at the Children and Family Emmys.
For their statement, Cullen family ask fans to “honor im remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember be strong enough to be gentle.”
