This one hurts. I have done several tribute articles over the years, but this one is legitimately the hardest to write while keeping my emotions in check. I said to myself that if there were any celebrity death that would hit me, it would be Peter Cullen. The Canadian born actor is known for several iconic roles including the vocal sound for the Predator, Winnie the Pooh’s friend Eeyore and, his most famous, the voice of Autobot Commander, Optimus Prime.
Peter Cullen has voiced several characters over the years. (Clockwise) Optimus Prime (2007 Transformers film), KARR (Knight Rider), Red Skull (1981 Spider-Man cartoon), Coran (Voltron), Venger (Dungeons and Dragons), Klaar (Megas XLR), Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh), Zandar (G.I. Joe), Ranger Roubideux (The New Yogi Bear Show), Optimus Prime (G1 Transformers), Monterey Jack (Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers)
Born in Montreal, Quebec on July 28, 1941, Cullen’s early work began as the announcer for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour from 1967 to 1969, as a series regular on the Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour and a regular on The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show before making the transition to voice acting. He has voiced a variety of characters including Coran, Stride and King as well as the narrator for the English dub of Voltron (known as Go! King Lion! In Japan), Commander Eagle and Nemesis in the anime series Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs, Red Skull in the 1981 Spider-Man cartoon, KARR in Knight Rider, Zandar and Nemesis Enforcer in G.I. Joe and Klaar and Zanzoar in Megas XLR. He also voiced a part in the 1984 Gremlins movie, and he reprised his role as KARR in the 2008 Knight Rider series. Cullen is well-known as the villain Venger in the animated series of Dungeons & Dragons. He has even voiced Nintendo’s mascot Mario in the Donkey Kong segments of Saturday Supercade (1983- 1984). Besides television series, Peter Cullen has also lent his basso voice to many film trailers and television commercials including announcing for Toonami and “You are Here” blocks on Cartoon Network. He also did voice promotions for 1999’s The Iron Giant and in 2023, he joined season 2 of the Amazon series “Invincible” as Thaedus.
Of all the roles he has played, it is the voice of Optimus Prime that would solidify Peter Cullen as an icon. The Autobot Commander is one of the most recognizable and beloved characters of all time.
Cullen’s standout work includes voicing iconic characters such as Monterey Jack in “Chip N Dale Rescue Rangers, Eeyore in The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh and the vocal sounds for the Predator. However, his most iconic role is that of Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise. In all of Western animation, few characters are more famous, more recognizable and more beloved than the strong yet gentle leader of the Autobots. The Transformers took the airwaves and toy store shelves by storm in 1984, becoming one of the most marketable franchises in North America alongside G.I. Joe and Masters of the Universe. Cullen would have no idea of how popular Prime had become until the character’s shocking death in the 1986 animated film. The backlash was so severe that writers for the original series revived Optimus for the episode “Dark Awakening.” However, the episode’s dark tones further traumatized children and, after numerous requests from fans, the Autobot leader was fully restored in the two-part episode “The Return of Optimus Prime.” To ease fans who have yet to see the previously mentioned episode, Dark Awakening’s ending was altered in reruns to include a teaser about the character’s return. Prime returned to lead the Autobot in the series final five episodes.
It is the controversial death of Optimus Prime that not only changed the game in animation, but sparked one of the biggest backlashes of the 80s, forcing the writers to bring the character back despite killing him a second time in the G1 series episode “Dark Awakening.”
Peter Cullen would return to voice Optimus Prime in the 2007 live action Transformers film after a 20-year absence from the franchise. He continued the role throughout the film series. Though he was originally contracted to voice the character until “The Last Knight,” producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura stated that Cullen was welcome to play Optimus Prime for as long as he wanted. Cullen has also returned to the role in the Transformers video games Transformers: War for Cybertron, Transformers: Fall of Cybertron, and Transformers: Devastation, the latter of which saw him reunite with other remaining actors from the original series including long-time friend and voice of Megatron, Frank Welker. Cullen and Welker would reprise their roles of Optimus and Megatron respectively in the 2010 Transformers Prime series. Cullen would continue onward as Prime for Transformers: Rescue Bots and Transformers: Robots in Disguise.
Peter Cullen reprised his role as Optimus Prime in the 2007 live action Transformers film after a 20-year absence from the character.
From his inception in 1984 to now, Optimus Prime has become one of the most recognizable fictional characters of all time. Because of this, Peter Cullen’s reputation also grew. His work in Transformers has generated fans across three generations. Whether they know Optimus from the original series or the live films or the recent animated series, fans will always associate Cullen with one of the greatest heroes to ever exist. At conventions he attends, fans are always eager to greet him, and Peter has recounted his story of how he became Optimus Prime many times without tiring. His brother Larry was the inspiration for Optimus Prime, who advised Peter about being a hero: “Peter, don’t be a Hollywood hero, be a real hero. Real heroes don’t yell and act tough; they’re tough enough to be gentle, so control yourself.” Peter heeded his brother’s advice and gave us one of the greatest heroes of any generation. And it is though Optimus that we learn about Larry – who he was, how he would act, his bravery as a Marine – who helped Peter find the voice for the character.
His final role. Cullen voiced the renegade Viltrumite Thaedus in the Amazon series Invincible.
Peter Cullen’s passing is undoubtedly a sudden shock for Transformers fans the world over. My reaction to the news could not be contained as I was on my lunch break at work when I heard the news. I was shocked and disbelief and sadness all rolled together. Even writing this in his memory is no easy task. In short, let us not mourn Peter Cullen’s passing, but honor his legacy. Celebrate the entertainment, the joy, the inspiration that he has brought to us over his long and wonderful career. You will be remembered always.
Thank you, Mr. Cullen, for everything.
Peter Cullen explains how he voiced the Predator
In 2023, Peter Cullen received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Frank Welker presented the award to his on-screen rival/off screen friend.
Optimus Prime is known for his inspiring speeches. This finale from Transformers Prime is one of his most prominent.
Top 10 Peter Cullen performances courtesy of Watch Mojo.
