Few voices defined my youth quite like Peter Cullen. From the cold, calculating menace of K.A.R.R. to the guttural vocalizations of Stan Winston’s Predator, Peter brought an unmistakable, larger-than-life presence to each role – creating a cavalcade of colorful characters that have stood the test of time for more than 40 years. And nowhere is this more prevalent than in the realm of animation! Optimus Prime, Monterey Jack, Super Mario, these were the voices that beckoned a cohort of kids to the TV every afternoon and continue to remain some of the most memorable performances in all of popular culture.
Sadly, Peter passed away on August 26th at the age of 85, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that spans generations. His unmistakable voice continues to touch countless fans around the world, ensuring that these beloved characters — and the man behind them — will never be forgotten.
With that in mind, here are 10 Peter Cullen cartoon roles that I feel every fan should know...
10. Murky Dismal (Rainbow Brite, 1984–1986)
A bumbling fiend known for his hatred of happiness and all things colorful, Murky Dismal is the main antagonist in Rainbow Brite, DIC’s short-lived animated adaptation of the Hallmark media franchise. Peter brought a grumbling, raspy presence to the role, showcasing his incredible range as a voice actor while, at the same time, nailing the perfect personality for a maniacal mope determined to drain the world of color and make everyone as gloomy as he is.
9. Mario (Saturday Supercade, 1983–1984)
Before Chris Pratt, Charles Martinet, Walker Boone, and even Captain Lou Albano, there was Peter Cullen — the first actor to give Nintendo’s mascot his voice in Western media! Based on Donkey Kong, the hit platformer that took the world by storm in 1981, these 11-minute segments, part of Ruby-Spears’ Saturday Supercade, followed Mario and Pauline (Judy Strangis) as they attempted to capture Donkey Kong (comedian Soupy Sales) and bring him back to the circus. While it may not be the most memorable iteration of the character, it was the first here in North America, and that alone makes it something worth including.
8. Gunner (Dino-Riders, 1988)
Based on the Tyco toyline of the same name, Dino-Riders followed two warring factions as they rode kitted-out dinosaurs in a battle for supremacy on prehistoric Earth. It was here that Peter, among other characters, voiced Gunner, a tough, seasoned warrior fighting for the heroic Valorians. In addition to his armored-up Torosaurus, Gunner is perhaps best known for sharing a very similar, authoritative tone to that of Optimus Prime, the heroic Autobot leader who would become Peter’s defining role for years to come.
7. Airborne (G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero, 1983–1986)
Peter brought a steady, professional demeanour to the role of Airborne, the skilled Navajo pilot and skydiver known as Franklin Talltree, who featured in a handful of G.I. Joe episodes during the revamped brand’s early ‘80s heyday. However, this was not the only character Peter voiced on the popular cartoon, adding both Zandar and the terrifying Nemesis Enforcer to his resume before the series ended in 1986.
6. Coran (Voltron: Defender of the Universe, 1984 – 1985)
Like Dino-Riders and G.I. Joe, Peter also voiced a number of characters and even provided the opening narration for WEP’s Voltron: Defender of the Universe. However, of all the roles he lent his pipes to on the hit series, it is perhaps Coran who stands out most of all. Peter’s distinguished gravitas brought warmth, charm, and dignity to Princess Allura’s trusted advisor, making him one of the show’s most memorable supporting characters, despite never fighting on the front line as a primary hero.
5. Toonami Narrator (Toonami Promos, 1997 – 2008)
Speaking of narration, one of Peter’s longest-running roles came in the form of the numerous Toonami promos that aired during the earliest — and best — years of Cartoon Network (RIP)! From Gundam Wing to Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, and more, Peter brought a deep, theatrical boom to each ad, roping viewers in and transforming a series of simple cartoons into the sort of can’t-miss TV that helped defined a decade.
4. Monterey Jack (Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, 1989)
One of Peter’s most memorable and beloved non-action roles came in the form of Monterey Jack, a Crocodile Dundee-inspired Australian mouse with a penchant for adventure, embellishment, and a serious addiction to cheese! This larger-than-life personality quickly became a favourite among viewers everywhere. For the first season of Disney’s Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers, Peter brought warmth and humour to the part, helping to create a bold, yet lovable and enthusiastic tone that would continue to embody the character even as Jim Cummings (Goof Troop, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) stepped into the role for later episodes.
3. Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh franchise, 1988 – 2017)
While he may have been The Hundred Acre Wood’s most melancholy member, Peter’s gloomy yet dignified vocal delivery for Eeyore, based on his older brother Larry, turned the depressed donkey, a staple of the Winnie the Pooh franchise since author A.A. Milne first created him back in 1926, into a beacon of warmth and comfort. Yes, beneath that sadness was a spirit that simply made Eeyore impossible not to love. Not a bad compromise for a character who’s constantly losing his tail and can never seem to keep his house from falling over — hey, I’d be miserable too!
2. Ironhide (Transformers franchise, 1984 – 1986)
A tough-talking Autobot known for his gravelly articulation and rough-hewn Southern accent, Ironhide is perhaps Peter’s second most memorable performance throughout the Transformers franchise — we all know the first! Sure, the original toy was a major disappointment (IYKYK), but Peter made the animated version one to remember for all the right reasons! With his folksy demeanor and unwavering sense of loyalty to Optimus Prime, Ironhide became the sort of wingman we all wanted at our side, bringing plenty of personality and heart to every episode and impressing upon scores of kids what it meant to be a friend.
1. Optimus Prime (Transformers franchise, 1984 – 2026)
Optimus Prime will forever be the role that immortalized Peter Cullen! Noble, calm, and brave, he taught a generation of fans what it meant to be a leader, while also underscoring the importance of kindness and empathy — even when in a position of authority. A father figure to millions, even more than 40 years later, the Autobot commander remains one of the great heroes of popular culture — a modern-day Hector who, even in death, reminds us that brighter days are just ahead, and that not even the darkest of hours will last forever. His legacy is one of courage, compassion, sacrifice, and hope, inspiring viewers young and old to stand tall, lead with kindness, and never surrender in the face of adversity. Till All Are One!
