Transformers star Peter Cullen died from cardiac arrest, per TMZ.
The voice actor behind Optimus Prime passed away on August 26 in Toluca Lake, California.
The outlet reveals malignant neoplasm of the lower lobe of the lungs was the underlying condition that caused respiratory arrest, which ultimately led to cardiac arrest.
He was 85.
Cullen’s family shared a heartbreaking statement last Thursday:
“Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family — and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide. His family asks 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.’”
Cullen first activated Optimus Prime in th 1980s Transformers animated series, establishing the commanding yet compassionate voice that fans all across the world came to know. He was even cast in Michael Bay’s Transformers movie franchise, helping bring that beloved character into a new era.
He also voiced the Predator in the 1987 film Predator, Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh and Monterey Jack in Chip ‘n Dale Rescue Rangers, and so much more.
Cullen’s voice became part of the soundtrack of childhood for countless fans, and his work reached far beyond a single character or franchise. His legacy is enormous, and so is the number of people who will remember hearing that unmistakable voice. What a legacy.
May he rest in peace.
[Image via MEGA/WENN]
