Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime, Dies at 85; Transformers – The Movie Returns in 4K
Peter Cullen, renowned for voicing Optimus Prime in the Transformers series, passed away in Los Angeles in August 2026 at the age of 85. He was born in Montreal in 1941, and his dubbing career led him to this legendary character. During his audition, his brother encouraged him to channel the essence of a true hero, which influenced his performance. Cullen voiced Optimus for 40 years and participated in many conventions. The original Transformers TV show (1984–1987) was adapted for Italy, changing names and dialogue, which sparked discussions about adaptations. In The Transformers – The Movie (1986), Optimus's death was a commercial decision that upset fans. Starting September 17, the film will be released globally in 4K with a new post-credits scene. Cullen's family asked fans to remember him with the phrase "Be strong enough to be gentle."
Key facts
- Peter Cullen was born in Montreal in 1941 and died in Los Angeles in August 2026 at age 85.
- Cullen voiced Optimus Prime (Commander in Italian) in the Transformers franchise for forty years.
- His brother, a Vietnam War Marine veteran, advised him at his audition: 'Be strong enough to be gentle.'
- The Transformers – The Movie (1986) killed off Optimus Prime, partly to introduce new Hasbro characters and models.
- Fan backlash to Optimus Prime's death flooded Hasbro with letters and phone calls.
- The Transformers – The Movie will be re-released internationally in 4K starting September 17, with a new post-credits chapter.
- The original Transformers TV series aired from 1984 to 1987 and reached Italy with altered names and dialogue.
- Orson Welles and Leonard Nimoy were guest stars in The Transformers – The Movie; Frank Welker voiced Megatron.
Entities
Artists
- Peter Cullen
- Frank Welker
- Orson Welles
- Leonard Nimoy
- Michael Jackson
- Annalisa Moschini
- Michael Bay
- Shia LaBeouf
- Megan Fox
- Josh Duhamel
- Jeff Bridges
- Jessica Lange
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
Institutions
- Hasbro
- Artribune
- Transformers
- Winnie the Pooh
- The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
- Sonny & Cher
- The Smurfs
- G.I. Joe
- Children and Family Emmy Awards
- TMZ
- National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences
- Children's & Family Emmy Awards
- Daytime Emmy Awards
- Canadian Broadcasting Corporation
- CBS
- Prime Video
- Disney
- The Sonny & Cher Show
- Fathom Entertainment
Locations
- Montreal
- Canada
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Italy
- Vietnam
- Cybertron
- Massachusetts