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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Peter Cullen, Voice of Optimus Prime, Dies at 85

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Peter Cullen, the iconic Canadian voice actor known for portraying Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise, has died at age 85.
  • His family announced his peaceful passing, surrounded by loved ones, and shared his lifelong motto: "Only the strong can be gentle."
  • Cullen's career spanned decades, including voice work for Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh and numerous other animated and video game projects.

Peter Cullen, the legendary Canadian voice actor whose powerful voice defined the heroic Autobot leader Optimus Prime, has died at the age of 85. His family confirmed his peaceful passing at home, stating he was surrounded by loved ones and lived on in the hearts of fans worldwide.

He passed away peacefully at home, accompanied by his loving family, and lives on in the hearts of countless friends and fans around the world.

— Cullen's familyAnnouncing his death.

In a statement, his family shared a message reflecting Cullen's enduring spirit: "We hope everyone can lead others with care, integrity, and loyalty, give back to society, and always remember 'Only the strong can be gentle,' in remembrance of the extraordinary achievements he left for the world."

Born in Montreal, Cullen graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada. He began his career as a radio host and live-action comedian before finding his defining role. Cullen first voiced Optimus Prime in the original 1984 "Transformers" animated series. He reprised the iconic role for the live-action "Transformers" film in 2007 and continued to lend his voice to subsequent sequels.

We hope everyone can lead others with care, integrity, and loyalty, give back to society, and always remember 'Only the strong can be gentle,' in remembrance of the extraordinary achievements he left for the world.

— Cullen's familySharing a message to honor his legacy.

Beyond his most famous role, Cullen also voiced Eeyore in Disney's "Winnie the Pooh" animated features and contributed to many other classic animated shows and video games. Reflecting on his career intertwined with the Transformers legacy, Cullen once humbly stated, "Being a part of it is not only historically significant but a grateful page in my life. I am fortunate to have done one outstanding thing in my life, and I am full of gratitude and humility for it."

Being a part of it is not only historically significant but a grateful page in my life. I am fortunate to have done one outstanding thing in my life, and I am full of gratitude and humility for it.

— Peter CullenReflecting on his career with the Transformers franchise.
About this summary

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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