Entertainment

Peter Cullen, voice of Optimus Prime and Eeyore, dies at 85

The Canadian voice actor, famous for portraying the heroic Autobots leader and the gloomy Winnie-the-Pooh character, has passed away in Los Angeles.

Updated Aug 27, 2026 · 15:28 UTC2 reports

The short version

Peter Cullen, a prolific voice actor best known as the voice of Optimus Prime and Eeyore, died Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 85.
His agent and family confirmed his death, stating he passed away surrounded by his family.
Cullen's extensive career spanned decades, during which he defined the voices of major pop culture characters in television, film, and video games.

Peter Cullen died on Wednesday at the age of 85 at his family home in Los Angeles.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
His agent, Kevin Motley, and his family confirmed his passing.[Variety]
Cullen originated the voice of the Autobots leader Optimus Prime in the 1980s animated series and reprised the role across numerous films, television shows, and video games.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
He based the voice of Optimus Prime on his older brother, Larry, a decorated U.S. Marine veteran.[The Hollywood Reporter]
Cullen also famously voiced the character Eeyore in various Winnie-the-Pooh projects, starting in the late 1980s.[The Hollywood Reporter · Variety]
His other diverse voice work included vocal effects for the creature in Predator (1987), voicing King Kong in the 1976 remake, and portraying Monterey Jack in Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers.[The Hollywood Reporter]
He was a graduate of the first graduating class of the National Theatre School of Canada in 1963.[The Hollywood Reporter]