r/popculturechat • u/Afraid_Chard_838 patty don’t start • Aug 27 '26
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-85/523
u/MRAGGGAN Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
What the actual fuck is happening this week
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u/TF-Fanfic-Resident Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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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Aug 27 '26
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u/TF-Fanfic-Resident Aug 28 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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/glitterjellyshoes You’re a virgin who can’t drive. 😤 Aug 27 '26
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/ColorsOfHappiness Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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/GlitterPirateKiki58 Aug 27 '26
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/Romboteryx Aug 27 '26
They cling onto life because they know nothing pleasant is waiting for them on the other side
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Aug 27 '26
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Aug 27 '26
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u/AllTheThingsSheSays Aahh, salmon skin roll Aug 27 '26
Death needs to balance, in order to take down evil, he has to take some good too.
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u/Minerva_Moon whore reporting for duty 🫡 Aug 27 '26
Death already grabbed Dolly and Tim Curry. What more does it want?
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u/SeaBassAHo-20 Aug 27 '26
Everyone in the 80s is dying.
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u/double_duchess9 Aug 27 '26
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 Hoa Hoa Hoa Season 🍂✨ Aug 27 '26
Im praying for all my comfort 80+ celebs oafkp]sfd
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u/normott Aug 27 '26 edited Aug 27 '26
Nothing...there are a lot of boomer celebrities in their 70s and 80s that will be dying off over the next few years. Its basically gonna be non stop...they have naturally reached the end of their journey largely. The outlier being Hayden.
RIP Sir
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u/leilafornone Who gon' check me boo? 🤪 Aug 27 '26
Astrologically, it's the eclipse season. That's all I know lmao
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u/Cutthechitchata-hole Aug 27 '26
Also another planetary alignment. We also entered the age of Aquarius. Learn to swim
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u/TakeItCheesy Aug 27 '26
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/ThatPrettyArmadillo Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
They’re clocking out before the shit hits the fan
Honestly who can blame them
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u/kirbygenealogy Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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! Aug 27 '26
All i'm hearing is that there's still hope
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u/ZeistyZeistgeist Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
So does that restart the cycle and we’re due 2 more? 😬
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u/RoxasIsTheBest Aug 27 '26
Pls pls pls let the other 80 year old Home Alone 2 star be part of the group
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u/LawyerEnjoyer Aug 27 '26 edited Aug 27 '26
The Monkey's Paw curls - Joe Pesci dies.
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u/jennifercathrin Chris Pine and his cunty little bob Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26 edited Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
He was also Eeyore :( my lil childhood is crumbling
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u/pierogi_waystation Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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! Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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u/chernogumby Good to hear from you bitch 💌 Aug 27 '26
two of my childhood heroes right here. rest in peace to them both, truly
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u/Tringamaster Aug 27 '26
"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 Aug 27 '26
This hits as hard as Dolly's tired butterfly wings for us nerds 😢
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u/Spainstateofmind They called me gay and trapped me in Albuquerque Aug 27 '26
Does the grim reaper have a dart board with beloved actors on it???
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u/SuddenDepact Aug 27 '26
Man right in the childhood with this one!
Long Live Optimus Prime
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u/Talisa87 I wont not fuck you the fuck up 🥊🥊 Aug 27 '26
Optimus Prime was a better father to me than my own piece of shit dad. This is fucking awful.
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u/bubba1834 POOT that thing back where it came from or so help me Aug 27 '26
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u/M00glemuffins Aug 27 '26
Who the hell declared this "Kill Your Entire Childhood" week? God damn ;-;
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u/the_monkeyspinach Aug 27 '26
80's and 90's kids suffering good this week apparently...
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u/M00glemuffins Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
Seriously tho!! My birthday is in 3 fucking days too!
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u/I_Say_Lots_Of_Words Aug 27 '26
“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 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
I dont want to read the news anymore or I am afraid everyone else I love will pass away.
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u/Gryffindor123 Why don't you go back and dig holes? Aug 27 '26
Nah. The Grim Reaper lost his damn mind.
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u/LittleGoreGhoul Aug 27 '26
He also voiced Eeyore from Winnie The Pooh and Monterey Jack from Rescue Rangers. This week has been horrible.
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u/TheDrunkWickerbeast They called me gay and trapped me in Albuquerque Aug 27 '26
Dude what the fuck is going on
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u/Prudent-Estimate9555 Aug 27 '26
Why so many deaths recently??
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u/EfficiencyBrief2138 Aug 27 '26
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/Own-Importance5459 Hoa Hoa Hoa Season 🍂✨ Aug 27 '26
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/ohhisnark All tea, all shade 🐸☕️ Aug 27 '26
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/MCR2004 Why do I always forget she’s British Aug 27 '26
Awww man he did the Predator too. Those creepy ass clicks and evil laugh!
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u/Sunnyday1775 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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/reeefur Aug 27 '26
I cried as a kid watching him die on screen and now the real Prime is dead. Dolly, Tim and now Prime.
Everyone was saying these deaths come in 3's, why Prime? 😭Right before the re-release of the original movie too.
Fuck this cruel world, why cant the bad guys die instead?
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u/Loose-Lingonberry406 Aug 27 '26
Fuck me running...
Dolly, Tim Curry and now Peter Cullen?
This week is fucking cursed.
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u/MyNameIs_Jordan Aug 27 '26
"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/JennaElizabethAdams Excluded from this narrative ❌ Aug 27 '26
Not another one! Why are all the 80s' childhood stars all passing away this week? 😭
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u/lastersoftheuniverse Aug 27 '26
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/Lokaji ✨May the Force be with you!✨ Aug 27 '26
What a bummer. When it comes to the Transformers, I always think of the cartoon and not the new movies. They are a foundational childhood memory.
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u/izzyboy63 Aug 27 '26
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/Thrown_Pie Aug 27 '26
Do you think he said "thanks for noticing me" to the grim reaper
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u/PartyPaul-100 Aug 27 '26
Why are so many good people dying?
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u/All_will_be_Juan Aug 27 '26
The reaper overcompensating because mitch mcconnel refuses to leave his hospital room
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u/Caustic_Cherry I’d buy that for a dollar! Aug 27 '26
But I’m not done crying over Dolly and Tim yet…
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u/EmergencyJacket207 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
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/dubstepsickness Aug 27 '26
https://giphy.com/gifs/OAgR2xol997jy
Pour one out for the The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show OG
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u/AdmiralJaneway8 Aug 27 '26
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/IshyMoose I got a Stage 5 clinger‼️ Aug 27 '26
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/KingAlpha12 Aug 27 '26
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/hawkeyethor I ❤️ Chris Hemsworth Aug 27 '26
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/SambaXVI Aug 27 '26
This sucks! But with a ageing population im guessing celebrity deaths are going to become more common right?
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u/Desperate-Aerie1158 Aug 27 '26
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/Bry8191 Aug 27 '26
Rip to the legend. One of had great voice actors who helped a whole generation appreciate the talent involved in doing it.
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u/destiny_kane48 Kim, there’s people that are dying. 🙄 Aug 27 '26
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 Aug 27 '26
So I guess the Grim Reaper is targeting individuals with a legendary voice this week.
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u/Cool_Year5240 Aug 27 '26
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/RaunakA_ Aug 27 '26
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. Aug 27 '26
This is his legacy. That gentle voice with serene outlook, snd powerfil to stand for others. I am heartbroken.
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u/Queezy_0110 Aug 27 '26
Can we just have like one week where one of our pop culture icons doesn’t die?
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u/Source_Required Aug 27 '26
This feels like I lost my father and I'm really not handling it well...
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u/dvidthefinisher Aug 28 '26
This saddened me as a kid, not any easier as an adult. RIP you wonderful person
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u/MetaKite I’ve grown quite unfond of you Aug 28 '26
Of all the recent celeb deaths, it's this one that made me cry. RIP Peter.
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u/lolalala1 🎼Music Aficionado🎶 Aug 27 '26
https://youtube.com/shorts/-RQzhgVAxWU
He touched many around the whole world.
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u/GaryKingoftheWorld Aug 27 '26
This is the week my childhood died, like literally. Him, Dolly, and Tim
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u/chernogumby Good to hear from you bitch 💌 Aug 27 '26
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/FroyoMedical146 Aug 27 '26
Nooo not another one :( such a prolific voice actor. He will be missed!
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u/Head_Humor Aug 27 '26
Like why dude! Can august stop killing the OG'S for a few minutes. Someone check on frank welker and on Inde Navarrette
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u/No_Thanks_1766 Inconceivable! Aug 27 '26
What the heck is going on this week
https://giphy.com/gifs/FY8c5SKwiNf1EtZKGs
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u/indianajoes We Should All Know Less About Each Other Aug 27 '26
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/HauteAssMess We have guns too 🤷🏼♀️ Aug 27 '26 edited Aug 27 '26
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.