Voice actor Peter Cullen, best known for voicing Optimus Prime in the Transformers movies and television series, has died at age 85, according to multiple outlets including Polygon, NBC News, and PC Gamer.
Several reports also describe Cullen as a veteran performer whose career spanned radio and television before expanding into voice work and other acting roles. PC Gamer lists additional credits, including Knight Rider, Gremlins, and King Kong, while Vancouver Sun notes his early work in radio and as an announcer on comedy programs.
Coverage differs on some personal and medical details. Daily Post Nigeria and other reports state he dies “peacefully” at his Los Angeles home surrounded by loved ones, without mentioning a cause. Times of India, citing a death certificate, reports cardiac and respiratory arrest as immediate causes, with malignant neoplasm of the lower lungs listed as the underlying condition, and says a private funeral is scheduled for September 9. Polygon also notes tributes from other Transformers actors reflecting on his role and long tenure.
