Peter Cullen, the long-serving voice of Optimus Prime, has died aged 85, prompting tributes from fellow Transformers actors. His death matters to fans because he defined the noble Autobot leader across more than four decades, making the character one of the most recognisable voices in animation and blockbuster cinema.

Cullen first played Optimus Prime in the 1984 Transformers cartoon and later reprised the role in numerous adaptations, including Michael Bay’s films. His wider career spanned more than 60 years and included Eeyore, Monterey Jack in Chip ’n Dale: Rescue Rangers, and creature sounds for the original Predator; colleagues remembered him as talented, humble, gracious and warmly respected.