Optimus Prime voice actor Peter Cullen d!es at 85

Canadian voice actor Peter Cullen, best known as the iconic voice of Optimus Prime in the Transformers franchise, has died at the age of 85.

Cullen’s death was confirmed by his family in a statement, according to TMZ, with his loved ones saying he passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

“Peter Cullen passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family — and held in the hearts of his many friends and countless fans worldwide,” the family said.

Born Peter Claver Cullen on July 28, 1941, the Canadian actor rose to international prominence after voicing Optimus Prime in the original Transformers animated series in the 1980s.

He went on to reprise the legendary character in several Transformers productions, including the live-action film franchise that began in 2007.

Beyond Optimus Prime, Cullen lent his distinctive voice to several other memorable characters, including Eeyore in the Winnie the Pooh franchise, Monterey Jack in Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers, KARR in Knight Rider and the vocalisations of the title character in Predator.

He also voiced Thaedus in the animated series Invincible.

The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

Cullen’s passing adds to a recent string of high-profile deaths in the entertainment industry, following the reported deaths of country music icon Dolly Parton and actor Tim Curry.