Peter Cullen has died
Comments
schlauerfox
horacemorace
“Strong enough to be gentle” is the epitome of manhood.
proactivesvcs
From BBC News' article:
His Optimus Prime voice was inspired by his older brother, a decorated US Marine and Vietnam War veteran, who suggested he should play the character as "a real hero, don't be a Hollywood hero".
"He said, 'Don't go yelling and screaming. He's strong enough to be gentle.'
"And that resonated with me, and I could hear his voice all the way to the audition. When he drops down, when he gets serious, is where I found Optimus Prime."
Cullen gave his brother a cut of the wages he received for playing Optimus Prime until his death.
datakan
I hope they retire Optimus Prime the way Baseball teams retire players numbers. Peter Cullen is an act that can't be followed and any attempt to do so will sully the memory.
keeda
Wellllll, they kinda already retired Optimus Prime in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Transformers:_The_Movie ...
bitwize
A number of other actors have already voiced Optimus in Transformers media, with varying quality. Jake Foushee, who has appeared in a few recent productions, does a competent impression of Cullen's performance.
The neat thing about characters is they can outlive the actors who play them. Retiring Optimus would be like retiring Bugs Bunny after the death of Mel Blanc.
ThrowawayR2
I'm surprised to learn that he was also the voice of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. Rest in peace, Mr. Cullen.
mixmastamyk
Was a bit too old for Transformers when it became popular but even watching a few mins here and there was enough to imprint Optimus’ voice on me. When they hired him for the movies I thought, well of course they did.
Believe that puts him in the same league as James Earl Jones as Mufasa. RIP
TheCondor
He also voiced aspects of Voltron and Saber Rider, maybe “narrated” is the right description
Such a big part of my youth
MBCook
I had no idea he was the voice of the Predator.
aghuang
Neither did I, RIP.
hhhdrrkk
Rolled out for the last time.
skapadia
Also the first voice of KARR from Knight Rider.
speckx
Till all are one.
throwatdem12311
‘Til all are one.
thrownaway561
it makes going to the see the released "Apology Tour" of the 1986 Transformers that much more heartbreaking. RIP
https://www.fathomentertainment.com/transformers40thannivers...
Here he is telling a powerful story about finding the voice by being inspired by his brother's calm authoritative voice, a Vietnam veteran. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zryfjSaxXLo