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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
“Strong enough to be gentle” is the epitome of manhood.
Uncontrolled power is easy, just give a kid a gun, real power is serene. "All truly strong people are kind" - Vagabond
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.
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
I'm surprised to learn that he was also the voice of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh. Rest in peace, Mr. Cullen.
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.
Wellllll, they kinda already retired Optimus Prime in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Transformers:_The_Movie ...
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.
I had no idea he was the voice of the Predator.
Neither did I, RIP.
Also the first voice of KARR from Knight Rider.
Rolled out for the last time.
Till all are one.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Cullen
https://archive.org/details/soundcloud-84634273
it makes going to the see the released "Apology Tour" of the 1986 Transformers that much more heartbreaking. RIP
https://www.fathomentertainment.com/transformers40thannivers...