The voice behind Optimus Prime falls silent

Actor Peter Cullen, who voiced popular characters including Optimus Prime in Transformers and Eeyore in Disney's Winnie the Pooh franchise, has died at the age of 85.

The Canadian actor began his most famous role - as the heroic deep-voiced Optimus Prime - for the Transformers TV series in 1984, then returned for seven Hollywood films from 2007 to 2023 and other spin-offs.

He voiced depressive donkey Eeyore in TV animation The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh from the late 1980s as well as numerous related shows, films and games.

His other memorable voice parts included KARR, the evil counterpart to KITT in TV show Knight Rider; the clicking vocalisations of The Predator in Arnold Schwarzenegger's 1987 film; and the roars of King Kong in 1976.

He died on Wednesday at his home in Los Angeles, a statement said.

"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 honour 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 started his career on Canadian TV and radio and was then a regular on programmes like The Sonny & Cher Show before deciding to concentrate on voice acting.

Brother's advice
His Optimus Prime voice was inspired by his older brother, a decorated US Marine and Vietnam War veteran, who suggested he should play the character as "a real hero, don't be a Hollywood hero".

"He said, 'Don't go yelling and screaming. He's strong enough to be gentle.'

"And that resonated with me, and I could hear his voice all the way to the audition. When he drops down, when he gets serious, is where I found Optimus Prime."

Cullen gave his brother a cut of the wages he received for playing Optimus Prime until his death.

The actor's performance as the character earned him a Daytime Emmy nomination for outstanding performer in an animated programme in 2011, and he was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Children's & Family Emmy Awards in 2023.

Cullen's other roles included 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, Duck Tales and Gummi Bears.

-BBC