Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime, Dies at 85
Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime in the "Transformers" franchise, has passed away at the age of 85.
Sacramento Stockton Modesto, CA, August 27, 2026 —
Peter Cullen, the iconic voice actor widely recognized as the voice of Optimus Prime in the “Transformers” franchise, has passed away. He was 85 years old.
Cullen’s distinctive voice brought the heroic leader of the Autobots to life across multiple generations of the “Transformers” media, starting with the original animated series in the 1980s and continuing through numerous animated shows, films, and video games. His portrayal of Optimus Prime became synonymous with courage, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to justice.
Beyond his most famous role, Cullen had a prolific career in voice acting and live-action television. He lent his voice to a variety of characters in animated projects and appeared in front of the camera in popular shows during the 1970s and 1980s. His work as Optimus Prime, however, remains his most enduring legacy, earning him a dedicated fanbase and cementing his place in popular culture history.
The details surrounding his passing were not provided in the initial summary. Cullen’s contributions to the “Transformers” universe are considered foundational by many fans and industry professionals, shaping the character of Optimus Prime into a beloved and enduring figure. His voice acting work has inspired countless individuals and left an indelible mark on the animation and science fiction genres.
Story summarized from the original created by Christine Samra on fox40.com, see more information here.
