Voice Actor Peter Cullen, Known for Optimus Prime, Dies at 85

Peter Cullen, the prolific voice actor whose authoritative baritone brought the heroic Optimus Prime to life for four decades and gave gentle melancholy to Winnie the Pooh's friend Eeyore, has died. He was 85. Cullen died on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at his home in Los Angeles, according to his agent, Kevin Motley. His family said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. No cause of death was released. In a statement, his family asked that fans honor his legacy "by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember, be strong enough to be gentle." That phrase echoed the core of the character he portrayed most famously.