This Is In Honor Of Peter Cullen. Being That Today Is His Birthday, And The Fact It Has Been 10 Years

This is in honor of Peter Cullen. Being that today is his birthday, and the fact it has been 10 years of of being his fan, I felt that I should draw the very version of Optimus that made me a fan in the first place. 

I have never forgotten the first time hearing the voice, clear as day. The first movie released when I was 13. It began with a narrative from a deep voice. I tried to find out who it was the entire film, but I had to wait till later to learn who it was. During the showing, I learned the voice came from Optimus Prime. The way he transformed was breathtaking and beautiful to watch. It only took Optimus to save Sam and say, “You risked your life to protect the cube” to make me fall in love with him. It was then I suddenly wanted Optimus to stay alive. Seeing him get kicked in the face made me want to jump in the screen to aid him. I was relieved to see him come out alive after that battle. I know it is an odd way to say that’s how I came to love a character, but it’s true. The fact that he was willing to fight so hard to protect humanity and what he stood for, he became my role model from the get go. To think I was a hardcore Yoda fan at the time. Optimus Prime changed my life.

I had to look up who voiced Optimus a while later after the showing. That, of course, was Peter Cullen. Who was not only the original voice of G1 Optimus, but turns out he had been in my childhood as Eeyore (the first film I heard his voice in my life respectively was The Search for Christopher Robin). Learning that made me realize he has been a small part of my life mostly as Eeyore since then. Now, it has grown big after watching Optimus Prime in the first film. I have been a fan of Optimus since then and my love for him had never stopped, regardless how bad the films had gotten (course it is subjective, I actually enjoyed the films for what they were). I mean, the only reason I watched the films was ONLY for Optimus. Whenever he was on screen, I get excited. Peter Cullen’s voice has always resonated with me every time I hear it. I loved the actor and the character that much, I was able to catch the opportunity of finally meeting him at 2015 Texas Comicon. It was incredibly surreal that I got a chance to hear his voice in person. Guys, I mean it when I say that, it was unbelievable that I heard it so close. What you hear in the films and shows is EXACTLY what you’d hear from him in person. I was also honored to have him see one of the many pieces of artwork and he was impressed with it. I even gave him a pillow I made with Optimus’s face and a quote, “Hold on to your dreams. The future is built on dreams.” He was so humble he thought he had to sign it. I told him otherwise saying that it is for him. And he said that was so sweet. The next day I met him again, I had to cry and pour my heart out saying how much he meant to me….as he held my hand with both of his. This is no exaggeration when I say this, his hands are LITERALLY strong but gentle and he has amazing blue eyes. Looking at Peter, he really IS Optimus Prime. Also the fact he said (as Optimus) “NO SHE’S MINE!” to Frank Welker (Megatron) was an absolute gem I would never forget even after the end of time. I will also never forget the wonderful short hugs I had with him.

Optimus Prime is my Sora [of Kingdom Hearts], my Superman, my Batman, etc. He is my hero and light of my life. His presence alone makes me feel safe and happy. 

Peter, if you are reading this, I want to let you know how EXTREMELY grateful  I am for you bringing Optimus to life with your incredible voice. It got me through tough times regardless how big or small. Or whenever I wanted to see any Optimus scene with your voice for the fun of it, it makes me smile every time. I also want you to know that regardless how Optimus is written recently, please know that I still enjoy your performance and it made the film/show enjoyable when Optimus shows up. I always participate the films and shows just to watch Optimus and hear your performance. 

I want to thank you so much for taking the role as Optimus in the live action films. I wouldn’t know who I would look up to without Optimus showing up in the films. Hope it didn’t sound weird in any way. But I mean it when I say Optimus is really important and your voice made him just that to this day.

So, hope it is a decent enough to say for your birthday. This is just my way of saying Thank You. Also, I hope you have a fantastic birthday!

Optimus Prime © Transformers © Paramount and Hasbro