I've bracing for this one, but there could never be a bulwark high and strong enough to shelter my heart from this. If I may take a moment to preface... As with us all, of all the worlds that captured my heart through childhood, there are a few whose influences have run deepest in me. Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Kids Next Door, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Marvel... Though those all still remain precious in my life to this day, two reign absolute. Ben 10 and Transformers. So, needless to say, I had revered Peter Cullen's work since childhood. I first properly met Peter in 2011, at a Botcon script reading panel for the new show, Transformers Prime. I was 16 then, in the thick of pursuing the dream of being a VA one day. I was chosen out of the audience to do Zombie-Con sounds and Bumblebee's beeps, and I showed the room what I could do. Peter was right behind me, reportedly beaming. You can't see his face, but you can see his proud leg at the end of this video: youtu.be/XyatPyA-mpQ I got to speak to him afterward. I'll keep his exact words to myself, but he expressed his relief that the future of voiceover was secure. One of the greatest days of my life already, and his words cemented it. Later down the line in 2023, I got my first chance to be a guest of the Fan Expo tour of conventions, and I would discover he would be there as well. The reunion was very cathartic. I reminded him who I was and was greeted with the same beaming eyes he had given me 12 years prior when I told him I couldn't have made it to where I was without him. There were some tears on both ends. This picture below was taken shortly after. I got to meet his wife, Brandi, one of the sweetest, most genuine humans I've ever had the pleasure of talking to. We would become acquaintances of the road, catching up briefly when we could on the convention circuit. And then my run with Fan Expo ended, and I could sadly only read about him. I knew he was off the road for a bit. I didn't want to fear the worst. I didn't want to think about it. But wish as we might, deserving as one may be to transcend the great equalizer, not one thing in this reality is built to last forever. Peter was all a true Christian should be. He was kind, welcoming to all, charitable, and lifted others up. He embodied Optimus so well beyond his voice, because he more than lived up to the example his inspiration, his brother, had set for him. He, too, was a hero. To so many. And "icon" doesn't do this enigma of an entertainer justice. There are a scant, precious few in the history of the voiceover world that have stayed with a character in the minds, bodies, and souls of their fans so indelibly like Peter with Optimus Prime. His virtuous talent, his resonant boom, and his sheer sagacity with a monologue inspired thousands. He was of the greatest to pave the road for those after him to do the same with their own purposes. Indeed he saw Optimus as his purpose, and our love, God's love, as his reward. Rest in peace, Mr. Peter Cullen. You've far beyond earned your seat in the sky. Though your Spark joins the Well, your legacy is secure, and now we remain to follow your example. Your lessons of how to make the most of blessings will live on. Your soul-kindling voice will reverberate, always. 'Til all are one.