Peter Cullen, The Voice Of Optimus Prime, Has Died
Image Source: Zoom TV
It’s a rough week for Hollywood. After the passing of icons Tim Curry and Dolly Parton, Peter Cullen’s family announced that he passed on Wednesday, August 26 at the age of 85. The family’s statement read, “Peter Cullen 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.’” The cause of death is undisclosed.
Cullen was best known for originating the voice of Optimus Prime and continuing in that role for 40 years, including in the 2007 live-action Transformers. He also lent his voice to Disney’s depressed donkey Eeyore. In a previous interview, Cullen credited his brother Larry, who served in the Marines, for inspiring his Optimus Prime voice. He said, “It was his tone of voice and delivery as a leader, his control that impressed me, and I applied my brother’s attitude to life to Optimus Prime…There’s a calmness to Optimus Prime, and yet a gentility and strength and honor and dignity, that are synonymous with the Marines.’”
Cullen was born in Montreal, Canada to Americans Henry and Muriel on July 28, 1941. He was one of four children and grew up helping his parents on the form. Cullen joked to NPR that his first voice lessons came from intimidating the animals. Cullen leaves behind his four children, Angus, Claire, Pilar, and Clay.
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