Funeral services were pending Thursday for Peter Cullen, who gave voice to Optimus Prime in “Transformers,” Eeyore in “Winnie the Pooh” and countless other characters and movie creatures.
Cullen died at his Los Angeles home Wednesday at age 85. No cause of death was released.
“Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family — and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide,” according to a statement from his family. “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.”’
During his extensive career, the Canadian-born voice actor provided King Kong’s roar in 1976 and was the robotic voice of the villainous KARR vehicle in the “Knight Rider” television series. He also originated the vocal effects of the deadly alien who took on Arnold Schwarzenegger in the original “Predator.”
Earlier in his career, he served as an announcer on “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” and on “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” Prior to that he worked on radio in Montreal and appeared in a Canadian children’s series. He also appeared in multiple stage productions after graduating from the National Theatre School of Canada.
His big break in Hollywood came with his casting as the voice of Optimus Prime, which he originated the syndicated “Transformers” television series in the 80s. He carried the role in to the big-budget film series beginning in 2007.
His other TV credits include animated shows such as “Tom & Jerry,” “The Addams Family,” “My Little Pony,” “Chip ‘n’ Dale Rescue Rangers,” “The Flintstone Kids,” “Duck Tales,” “Rainbow Brite,” “Rambo,” “Ghostbusters,” “Pound Puppies” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”