Peter Cullen on Optimus Prime origin
Peter Cullen says the voice of Optimus Prime was inspired by his marine corps brother. His brother Larry was a captain in the marine corps who returned from Vietnam with the Purple Heart and bronze star. They were sharing an apartment and going through difficult times when Larry came down to talk. Larry asked Peter where he was going today. Peter said he was going to audition as a truck. Larry laughed at this. Peter told Larry that the character is a hero truck. Larry's face got serious. Larry told Peter: 'if your going to be a hero be a real hero don't be a Hollywood hero with all the bs and all the yelling and screaming and trying to be tuff be strong enough to be gentle'. Larry's voice is ringing in Peter's ear as he drives to the audition. Peter read the copy with Larry's voice coming out of him. Peter said: 'My name is Optimus Prime'.
