One of the most iconic voices of the 1980s has passed away.
TMZ is reporting Peter Cullen, known best as the voice of Optimus Prime in the “Transformers” cartoon and subsequent movies has died at 85.
“Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family - and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide,” Cullen’s family told TMZ. (see the full statement here).
In addition to voicing the leader of the “Autobots” in the “Transformers” series, Cullen had also voice the character "Eeyore" in several "Winnie the Pooh" animated projects.
Cullen explained his iconic voice for Optimus Prime was inspired by his brother, a Vietnam Vet and Purple Heart recipient.
When Cullen told his brother he was auditioning for the role of “a truck” who was also a hero, his brother told him “if you’re going to be a hero, be a real hero . . . don’t be shouting and posing and pretending and yelling and acting tough, heroes don’t do that.”
“Be humble, be courageous, be proud,” his brother added.
Cullen says he used that advice to create the voice that inspect
