Transformers Cast Remembers Peter Cullen: ‘An Extraordinary Talent’

Peter Cullen has now joined the Matrix.

In *Transformers: The Movie*, Optimus Prime, the noble leader of the Autobots, faces a fatal showdown with Megatron, the ruthless Decepticon leader. As he succumbs to his injuries, he comforts his team with the poignant words:

“Autobots, do not grieve. Soon, I shall be one with the Matrix.”

This moment was both heart-wrenching and unforgettable, as fans watched Optimus Prime’s vibrant red and blue fade away. Fast forward 40 years, and the legendary voice behind Optimus Prime has now become one with the character he brought to life.

On August 27, news emerged that the 85-year-old voice actor passed away the day before. Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, Cullen lent his voice to countless characters, including Eeyore from *Winnie the Pooh* and Monterey Jack from *Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers*. He also created the chilling sounds of the Predator in the iconic 1987 sci-fi thriller.

However, it’s his role as Optimus Prime that will forever resonate with fans. Cullen first voiced the character in 1984 for the original animated series and continued to embody him across various *Transformers* adaptations, including the blockbuster films directed by Michael Bay.

As fans mourn his passing, fellow voice actors are also paying tribute. Many who collaborated with him on various *Transformers* projects have shared their heartfelt memories.

Neil Ross, who voiced numerous Autobots and Decepticons in the original 1980s series, reflected on their long friendship:

“Peter Cullen was a lovely guy and a prodigious talent. I first met him working on the *Pac-Man* show for Hanna-Barbera in the early ‘80s, and we went on to work together on *Transformers*, *G.I. Joe*, and many other shows over the years. We bonded over our shared roots in Quebec, Canada. He was a true gentleman, and I always looked forward to working with him. His laugh was infectious — I’ll miss it dearly. He was incredibly talented yet remained humble. I will miss him.”

David Kaye, who has voiced various iterations of both Megatron and Optimus Prime since the 1990s, recalled his initial casting as Optimus in *Transformers: Animated*:

“I remember when I was cast as Optimus Prime in *Transformers: Animated* (2007). At first, I thought, ‘What? Optimus? I thought I was going to be Megatron.’ I worried about how Peter would feel about it.”

Fortunately, Kaye found Cullen to be gracious and welcoming.

“Later, when I worked with him on *Transformers: Prime*, it was incredible to be in the same project with him and Frank Welker as Megatron. Being in the same room as Peter was monumental for me. He had a presence that filled the space. Even in his later years, he was a towering figure in voiceover.”

Jess Harnell, who voiced Ironhide in the live-action films, expressed his admiration:

“If Transformers are cars that turn into robots, Peter held the keys and owned the garage. Rest in Prime, my friend.”

Garry Chalk, who voiced Optimus Primal in *Beast Wars: Transformers* and later Optimus Prime in *Transformers: Armada*, shared his shock at the news:

“I found out about Peter this morning. It was a shock because I thought, like his iconic characters, he’d live forever. He was genuinely interested in the fans and was a humble man, which is remarkable given the characters he portrayed. I met him once, and he greeted me with good humor. We had a blast during a panel doing an ‘Optimus Off.’ I don’t think I can ever match his immense presence. He was a true icon — loved by everyone, and it’s a sad day for the *Transformers* community.”