Acclaimed voice actor Peter Cullen, best known for voicing Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise and Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh, died from cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home at age 85. His death certificate revealed underlying lung cancer.
Medical Findings and Cause of Death
Legendary voice actor Peter Cullen died from cardiac arrest at his Los Angeles home, according to official records obtained by media outlets from his death certificate. TMZ reported the news. The cause of death was listed as cardiac arrest due to respiratory arrest.
The medical document further cited a malignant neoplasm in the lower lobe of the lungs as the root cause, meaning he had a cancerous tumor growing in the bottom section of either his right or left lung.
Following his passing, his family released a statement sharing that he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family — and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide.
“His family asks that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember ‘be strong enough to be gentle.'”
Cullen family, via public statement
The actor is set to be buried at Forest Lawn on Sept. 9, outlets reported.
Defining Optimus Prime Through a Brother’s Voice
Peter Claver Cullen was born in Montreal in 1941 and grew up with three siblings, one of whom was his brother Larry. Cullen initially nurtured dreams of being a serious actor, studying Shakespeare as part of the first graduating class of the National Theatre School of Canada, though he soon came to the conclusion that he really wasn’t cut out for it.
He first stepped into pop culture history in 1984 when he was cast as the noble leader of the Autobots in the original 1980s animated television series The Transformers, which ran until 1987.
The signature deep and commanding baritone that defined the Autobot leader was modeled directly after his brother, Larry Cullen. Larry was a decorated U.S. Marine and Vietnam War veteran who served as a U.S. Marine Corps captain. Before heading to his initial audition, Cullen spoke with his brother about the character.
“He said, ‘Don’t go yelling and screaming. He’s strong enough to be gentle.'”
Peter Cullen, in an interview cited by Daily Mail
Larry suggested he should play the character as a real hero and not a Hollywood hero. That advice—urging him that when he drops down and gets serious is where he found Optimus Prime—resonated with him all the way to the audition, and Cullen gave his brother a cut of the wages he received for playing Optimus Prime until his death.
A Franchise Legacy
Cullen carried his role into 1986’s animated feature The Transformers: The Movie. Decades later, he brought his voice to the string of hit live-action movies directed by Michael Bay and starring Shia LaBeouf, starting with the 2007 live-action film.
He subsequently reprised the role across the franchise.
Beyond the Autobots: Eeyore and Industry Honors
Away from the franchise, fans of retro children’s television may also recognize him as the voice of Eeyore on The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, which ran from 1988 to 1991.
His extensive vocal resume also featured Monterey Jack in Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, and he voiced characters in 1980s and 90s animated series including Spider-Man, Donkey Kong, Alvin & the Chipmunks, Dungeons & Dragons, My Little Pony, DuckTales, and Gummi Bears.
In recognition of his contributions to the medium, Cullen’s performance as the character earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination for outstanding performer in an animated programme in 2011. He was later honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Children’s & Family Emmy Awards in 2023.
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