Peter Cullen, actor who voiced Optimus Prime and Eeyore, dies at 85

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Set us as preferred Peter Cullen, the voice actor whose regal timbre as the heroic Optimus Prime in the “Transformers” franchise and deep tone as the gloomy Eeyore in “Winnie the Pooh” projects who was beloved by generations, has died.He was 85.

Cullen died Wednesday in his Los Angeles home, his agent Kevin Motley confirmed to The Times on Thursday.A cause of death was not given.

He “passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family — and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide,” his family said in a statement.They ask “that you honor his remarkable legacy by serving your communities and leading others with compassion, integrity, and loyalty and always remember ‘be strong enough to be gentle.’ ” A prolific voice actor whose work spanned television shows, movies, video games and even theme park rides, Cullen amassed more than 200 credits over his career.

This includes the eponymous giant ape in the 1976 remake of “King Kong,” the villainous vehicle KARR (Knight Automated Roving Robot) in the “Knight Rider” TV series and the clicks and trills of the deadly alien hunter in the original “Predator” film.Movies Tim Curry, the beloved and versatile star who famously commanded attention as the seductive mad scientist Dr.

Frank-N-Furter in the cult classic musical ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ has died.He was 80.But Cullen is best known for his work in animation and children’s cartoons in the 1980s and ‘90s.

His signature role was Optimus Prime, the leader of a heroic faction of sentient alien robots known as Autobots who battle the villainous Decepticons in the “Transformers” franchise.Cullen often spoke about how his voice for the leader — who transforms into a truck — was inspired by his older brother, Larry, a Marine who had served in Vietnam.

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