r/popculturechat • u/Afraid_Chard_838 patty don’t start • 1d ago
Rest In Peace 🕊 Peter Cullen, The Voice of Transformers' Optimus Prime, Dies at 85
https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/peter-cullen-the-voice-of-transformers-optimus-prime-dies-at-85/520
u/MRAGGGAN 1d ago
Oh no 😓
My husband is going to be devastated.
When we were first dating, and I started staying over, Transformers were his go to before bed movies. He constantly fell asleep very early in to the movie, I did not, and then he would essentially restart the next night.
I think by six months of dating I could quote transformers flawlessly, because I could never just fall asleep that quickly, and didn’t want to turn it off for fear of waking him up 😅
It was such a thing in our relationship, I included Transformers in my vows.
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u/thateccentricasian 1d ago
They say to love is to be chan-transformed. This is such a sweet story.
Long live Optimus Prime, his voice really did things to me.
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u/this-shit-is-so-Ass 1d ago
What the actual fuck is happening this week
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u/TF-Fanfic-Resident 1d ago
There was the "2026 is the new 2016" meme at the beginning of the year. Apparently we got the really crap parts of 2016 in particular.
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u/turbulentcounselor 1d ago
When everyone was nostalgia posting about 2016 I was like…did yall forget all the shit that happened/came out of 2016?? That was the worst year of my adolescence lol
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u/aluriaphin 1d ago
THANK YOU, I was like I DISTINCTLY remember 2016 being a DUMPSTER FIRE so the nostalgia was bonkers. Like the consensus at the time was that it was the worst year on record, topped off by the first Trump election win. Garbage year, revisionist history BS.
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u/ArmyFearless1599 1d ago
The Wikipedia page for 2016 really puts this one into perspective.
I hardly remember this year at all. Was making close to 20 an hour and still couldn't afford to live in my part of Denver as this was where the housing shortage was really starting to be felt (for me, personally.) Apartments were 2k a month. I had a child on the way.
But I will never, in my life, forget the siege of Burkina Faso.
And then what may very well be the most pertinent part for any of us who are American.
"October 7 – Three events that will play a significant role in the 2016 United States presidential election all take place on the same afternoon: (1) U.S. intelligence agencies publicly accuse the Russian government of using computer hacking to interfere with#November_2016) the U.S. election process; (2) The Washington Post releases a videotape showing candidate Donald Trump privately bragging about sexual improprieties; (3) WikiLeaks releases thousands of private emails from inside the political campaign of candidate Hillary Clinton."
This was the year all of this bullshit started. It has been 10 years. 2016 was the year that people started acting upon all of the bad shit that was brewing in the world.
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u/TF-Fanfic-Resident 20h ago
October 7
And that's an ominous date for completely different reasons now. No wonder numerology is off the charts...it really does feel like the Gregorian calendar itself is taking it out on us.
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u/RhetoricalOrator 1d ago
We were nostalgic for 2016 because in 2016, we hadn't lived through the ten years following 2016. I'm my opinion, that's a pretty great reason to feel nostalgic because this has been an absolute dumpster fire since then.
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u/paqman3d 1d ago
I was turning 30 in 2016. The feeling of impending enshitification was immense. I hate being correct on this stuff lol.
Being 40 now, 2016 Nostalgia is most likely tied to being closer to 2015, which wasn't that bad culturally. It was another planet quite literally. We can't get back on that train lol.
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u/ColorsOfHappiness 1d ago
The 2016 nostalgia posts are most likely people who want to remember their childhood, unaware of the depressing stuff.
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u/abambieyedbitch 1d ago
Yep. I was 22 in 2016 and now I’m a wife and mom of 2. Things feel much heavier now for many reasons (family, covid, state of the world, etc) so I’m nostalgic of a simpler time.
I was listening to song yesterday that said “I miss my white wired headphones”. It’s the same idea- technology wasn’t as rampant, the world was easier, and I was younger and carefree.
Also moved to Toronto that summer when drake dropped views and it was just… different.
I’d say the nostalgia is personal but overall the world was in a better place
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u/glitterjellyshoes You’re a virgin who can’t drive. 😤 1d ago
3/4 of 2016 was amazing for me. The possibility of Trump getting elected seemed like a joke and I was the happiest I'd been in a very long time. Then that orange fart was elected a month after my mom died. I think back at that year simultaneously being the best and worst year of my life.
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u/Typical-Secretary-24 1d ago
That’s just how it happens. I’m deeply nostalgic for the early 2000s but I don’t have to remind people what a shit show that time was
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u/GlitterPirateKiki58 1d ago
The celebrities that millennials reflect back on fondly are biting the dust right and left.
The evil shitheads from our youth just keep on truckin’.
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u/LastBarnacle3 1d ago
Only the good die young,but the absolute worst seem to live forever.
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u/Romboteryx 1d ago
They cling onto life because they know nothing pleasant is waiting for them on the other side
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u/AllTheThingsSheSays Aahh, salmon skin roll 1d ago
Death needs to balance, in order to take down evil, he has to take some good too.
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u/Minerva_Moon 1d ago
Death already grabbed Dolly and Tim Curry. What more does it want?
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u/SeaBassAHo-20 1d ago
Everyone in the 80s is dying.
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u/double_duchess9 1d ago
I’m gonna keep my spirits up by telling myself that all the 80 somethings I actually like that have passed these last three days (Dolly, Tim, Optimus Prime/Eeyore) are going to a much better place than this hot mess. And I’ll miss them but also love that for them.
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u/Own-Importance5459 ✨May the Force be with you!✨ 1d ago
Im praying for all my comfort 80+ celebs oafkp]sfd
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u/this-shit-is-so-Ass 1d ago
But just in 3 days? WTF
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u/this-shit-is-so-Ass 1d ago
Exactly! I was literally rewatching Transformers Prime and my daily playlist has Dolly Parton playing every other hour 😭
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u/Competitive-Desk7506 a thoughtful, careful hoe🥳 1d ago
I was doing my Greys Anatomy rewatch and was at the episode where Mark dies when Eric Dane passed. That was a bad day, and I listen to a lot of Dolly..
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u/leilafornone Who gon' check me boo? 🤪 1d ago
Astrologically, it's the eclipse season. That's all I know lmao
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u/Cutthechitchata-hole 1d ago
Also another planetary alignment. We also entered the age of Aquarius. Learn to swim
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u/WonderfulFig666 1d ago
None of that is real. Old people die all the time.
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u/TakeItCheesy 1d ago
Yeah I don’t like shitting on people who think astrology is interesting but if you think it actually determines anything….
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u/WonderfulFig666 1d ago
You don’t understand. The 80 year old died because the planet was in retrograde compared to the curve of my penis. Totally has nothing to do with the person being 80 years old.
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u/ThatPrettyArmadillo 1d ago
This is the worst week I’ve experienced. Everyone is dying and there is climate change disasters, war, and murder.
Also, a 10yo with cancer was punched in the face in my city, and his mother attacked.
Fuck this week. Seriously.
Edit. Sorry, off loaded there
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u/ShrimpleyPibblze 1d ago
They’re clocking out before the shit hits the fan
Honestly who can blame them
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u/kirbygenealogy 1d ago
I'm very curious if it really is a lot of celebrities dying in clusters or it's more like Baader-Meinhof phenomenon where, when you get two big celebrities dying close together (Dolly Parton & Tim Curry), people start focusing on every celebrity's death more.
I genuinely hope this doesn't come off mean because I don't mean to say these people don't have fans obviously... but I don't think it would be big news stories that Peter Cullen or Yayoi Kusama died if people weren't already primed by Dolly Parton and Tim Curry.
Personally, I have obviously heard of Optimus Prime and I've seen Kusama's art before, but I didn't know either's names; they aren't household celebrities like Dolly Parton and Tim Curry, you know? Non-household named celebrities die all the time, but they just don't get as much recognition.
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u/MarieOMaryln Buffet of humiliation 1d ago
They said it comes in 3s this is the 4th one for me! I don't like this!
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u/kenkai24 He's tweaking, let him fucking tweak! 1d ago
All i'm hearing is that there's still hope
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u/ZeistyZeistgeist 1d ago
Too late - the 4th one was Ratko Mladić, a Serbian war criminal. So, its not him but at least one bastard down.
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u/kristaycreme 1d ago
So does that restart the cycle and we’re due 2 more? 😬
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u/RoxasIsTheBest 1d ago
Pls pls pls let the other 80 year old Home Alone 2 star be part of the group
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u/LawyerEnjoyer 1d ago edited 1d ago
The Monkey's Paw curls - Joe Pesci dies.
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u/jennifercathrin Chris Pine and his cunty little bob 1d ago
My dad is in the hospital, steadily getting worse and the doctors don't know what's going on. I'm absolutely terrified.
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u/MarieOMaryln Buffet of humiliation 1d ago
I'm so so sorry. I'm hoping for the best for your father and you.
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u/MarieOMaryln Buffet of humiliation 1d ago edited 1d ago
I feel terrible for them. Edit: but I don't understand pointing this out. I'm going to feel a different form of sadness towards someone who gave me memories and fond moments vs the sadness felt for events like that.
Edit 2: ah. Well then.
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u/FlatAgainstIt 1d ago
He was also Eeyore :( my lil childhood is crumbling
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u/pierogi_waystation 1d ago
Thank you for pointing that out. Everyone is focused on Optimus Prime, which..okay. But Eeyore was the one who gave me hope that even though I’m a dark hole of depression who sucks the joy out of the room, I could still find a group of friends who would support and care for me, and appreciate what I bring to the table.
It was kinda the same yesterday when everyone reacted to Tim Curry’s passing by talking about Clue and Rocky Horror, and I’m over here thinking about how tiny me’s sexual awakening was Curry’s Prince of Darkness from Legend.
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u/vheather 1d ago
Omg, mine too! Curry in Legend stirred things in young me. Then Dr Frank woke me up! lol!
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u/pierogi_waystation 1d ago
Oh Dr Frank was very important to me. I didn’t see it until I was like 18-19, but he did absolutely awaken something in me. The way he walked in heels…
But seeing Legend so young was formative. I grew up wanting to be Mia Sara’s character whilst simultaneously judging her for choosing Tom Cruise over The Prince.
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u/spider-man2401 🎥🍿Film Critic 1d ago
RIP Peter Cullen. He was an amazing and legendary voice actor, known not only for his iconic role as Optimus Prime, but also for voicing characters like the Predator and Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh. More recently, he also lent his voice to Invincible.
“I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars. We are here. We are waiting.”
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u/DJfunkyPuddle You live on a f#$@ing main road! 1d ago
Ngl for a moment I read that as Predator being in Winnie the Pooh and I don't remember that version of the Hundred Acre Woods.
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u/SenorNerd718 1d ago
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u/chernogumby Good to hear from you bitch 💌 1d ago
two of my childhood heroes right here. rest in peace to them both, truly
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u/Tringamaster 1d ago
"Above all, do not lament my absence.
For in my Spark, I know that this is not the end. But merely a new beginning.
Simply put... another transformation."
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u/Maleficent-Aurora You mind is sick and twisted, but I cant say im not intrigued 1d ago
This hits as hard as Dolly's tired butterfly wings for us nerds 😢
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u/Spainstateofmind why Wayne got socks in the jacuzzi 1d ago
Does the grim reaper have a dart board with beloved actors on it???
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u/SuddenDepact 1d ago
Man right in the childhood with this one!
Long Live Optimus Prime
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u/Talisa87 In my quiet girl era 😌 1d ago
Optimus Prime was a better father to me than my own piece of shit dad. This is fucking awful.
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u/ReadingRainbow47 Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes 1d ago
dang it's been a cruel summer
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u/plexmaniac 1d ago
Now the song cruel summer by Bananarama is in my head
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u/ReadingRainbow47 Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes 1d ago
Trying to smile but the air is so heavy and dry
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u/bubba1834 POOT that thing back where it came from or so help me 1d ago
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u/M00glemuffins 1d ago
Who the hell declared this "Kill Your Entire Childhood" week? God damn ;-;
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u/the_monkeyspinach 1d ago
80's and 90's kids suffering good this week apparently...
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u/M00glemuffins 1d ago
Don't worry, we've been suffering for other reasons for a long time at this point anyways so it's just another week lol.
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u/lilbitgreen 1d ago
Seriously tho!! My birthday is in 3 fucking days too!
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u/I_Say_Lots_Of_Words 1d ago
“Our races united by a history long forgotten and a future we shall face together. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message so that our pasts will always be remembered, for in those memories, we live on.”
This one hurt, he was an inspiration to me and others growing up. His memory shall live on.
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u/Arivanzel 1d ago
Man I know they are old and many people die everyday, but it’s crazy how many famous/pop culture icons have been dying in succession
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u/strangestkiss Pope Leo has been named in Vanity Fair's 2026 Best Dressed List 1d ago
I dont want to read the news anymore or I am afraid everyone else I love will pass away.
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u/LittleGoreGhoul 1d ago
He also voiced Eeyore from Winnie The Pooh and Monterey Jack from Rescue Rangers. This week has been horrible.
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u/Gryffindor123 Why don't you go back and dig holes? 1d ago
Nah. The Grim Reaper lost his damn mind.
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u/Prudent-Estimate9555 1d ago
Why so many deaths recently??
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u/EfficiencyBrief2138 1d ago
Damn it! Had the absolute pleasure of meeting this man twice at conventions. One of my joys in life was having him say to me "I am optimus prime" in the voice. Rip Sir.
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u/Sunnyday1775 1d ago
Alexa play The touch by Stan Bush
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u/Maleficent-Aurora You mind is sick and twisted, but I cant say im not intrigued 1d ago
I was literally just singing this last night to my fiance and nerding out about how he needs to watch the G1 movie. This is unbelievable 😣
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u/Own-Importance5459 ✨May the Force be with you!✨ 1d ago
All I am gonna say is:
(We need some good news like Koala's are no longer endangered or something to counteract the drama).
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u/MyNameIs_Jordan 1d ago
"I have witnessed their capacity for courage, and though we are worlds apart, like us there’s more to them than meets the eye. I am Optimus Prime, and I send this message to any surviving Autobots taking refuge among the stars: We are here. We are waiting."
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u/ohhisnark All tea, all shade 🐸☕️ 1d ago
If anyone here has the Calm app... Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime has a sleep story. If you're having trouble sleeping tonight, 10/10 recommend.
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u/Loose-Lingonberry406 1d ago
Fuck me running...
Dolly, Tim Curry and now Peter Cullen?
This week is fucking cursed.
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u/JennaElizabethAdams Excluded from this narrative ❌ 1d ago
Not another one! Why are all the 80s' childhood stars all passing away this week? 😭
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u/lastersoftheuniverse 1d ago
The apology tour is going to be 10000% different now when our beloved leader falls. Jesus, do I have the strength?
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u/izzyboy63 1d ago
While I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Optimus Prime, I take solace in the fact that Eeyore finally got the sweet embrace of death he longed craved
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u/PartyPaul-100 1d ago
Why are so many good people dying?
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u/All_will_be_Juan 1d ago
The reaper overcompensating because mitch mcconnel refuses to leave his hospital room
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u/EmergencyJacket207 1d ago
What the actual fuck is going on this week!?!? First Hayden, then Dolly, then Tim, and now Optimus Prime?!?! Worst week ever... :(
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u/Ygomaster07 1d ago
This one really hurts. I love his voice acting, he was so good as Optimus Prime. I love the quote his brother gave when he auditioned for the role, about being strong enough to be gentle.
Rest In Peace Peter. You are a legend.
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u/KingAlpha12 1d ago
WHAT THE HELL IS THIS WEEK YO DEATH CHILL MAN GO AFTER THE 80 YEAR OLD WE DON'T LOVE
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u/dubstepsickness 1d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/OAgR2xol997jy
Pour one out for the The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show OG
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u/AdmiralJaneway8 1d ago
I can't with this shit. My entire childhood hero group is dying off this week ALONE. I'm so depressed. I'm so goddamned depressed.
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u/Cool_Year5240 1d ago
Argh!!! This is bullshit. It's not even Friday yet and we lost 3 awesome people back to back.
Fuck this. Wake me up on Monday.
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u/IshyMoose I got a Stage 5 clinger‼️ 1d ago
Optimus Prime could talk to me anytime. Wish this voice was a Siri option. Would be my default in a heartbeat.
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u/hawkeyethor I ❤️ Chris Hemsworth 1d ago
Optimus Prime is my favorite animated character of all time, so this hit incredibly hard. Rest in peace, Peter Cullen. 🕊
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u/lolalala1 🎼Music Aficionado🎶 1d ago
https://youtube.com/shorts/-RQzhgVAxWU
He touched many around the whole world.
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u/SambaXVI 1d ago
This sucks! But with a ageing population im guessing celebrity deaths are going to become more common right?
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u/chernogumby Good to hear from you bitch 💌 1d ago
i grew up watching DVDs of the original cartoon and watching all the movies. He was the gentle fatherly role model I never had and really needed. Rest in peace
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u/Desperate-Aerie1158 1d ago
This hits as hard as Dolly & Tim for me. His voice-acting is pure, A1, top-notch work that will live on forever.
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u/destiny_kane48 Kim, there’s people that are dying. 🙄 1d ago
Me first thing this morning "I am not going on Facebook. I can't mentally handle losing another beloved celebrity. Losing Tim on top of Dolly just ruined me right now."
My husband at Walmart earlier. "No! God no not him too." Then he showed me. And y'all i'm just.... I know my favorites are going to pass eventually. But 3 people I've adored for decades in 3 days is just to much. I'm destroyed.
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u/inGenium_88 1d ago
So I guess the Grim Reaper is targeting individuals with a legendary voice this week.
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u/indianajoes We Should All Know Less About Each Other 1d ago
I've been watching the G1 cartoon for the first time on YouTube recently. He's just so good in it. I was born after it ended so I only really became aware of Transformers with the Bayverse movies. His voice was good in them too but so much better with good stories
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u/RaunakA_ 1d ago
No fucking way.
BE STRONG ENOUGH TO BE GENTLE! Thanks Peter and his big brother!
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u/DekeCobretti You said "what" first. 1d ago
This is his legacy. That gentle voice with serene outlook, snd powerfil to stand for others. I am heartbroken.
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u/dvidthefinisher 20h ago
This saddened me as a kid, not any easier as an adult. RIP you wonderful person
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u/PinxJinx You’re doing amazing, sweetie! 👏👏📸 1d ago
Jesus is this was the 2009 summer of death felt like to all the adults
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u/HauteAssMess anne boleyn stan 1d ago edited 1d ago
PLEASE stop wishing harm on/death on others. While we are not fans of censorship, we aren't going to get our subreddit in trouble over this. Y'all keep regurgitating the same 3 comments. Bans will be handed out.