Michael Bay says hearing Peter Cullen perform as Optimus Prime for the first time gave him chills, and Cullen’s death last week left the filmmaker in tears. Cullen died Wednesday at his Los Angeles home at age 85, peacefully surrounded by loved ones. In an interview with TMZ’s Charlie Neff, Bay said he needed about an hour to process the news before crying. Bay later created a tribute video celebrating Cullen, whose deep, commanding performance became the defining voice of Optimus Prime for generations of Transformers fans. How Will Peter Cullen’s Legacy Live On? Bay remembered being stunned that the booming voice belonged to a relatively small man who wore cowboy boots and worked with horses. That contrast became part of the magic: Cullen made Optimus Prime sound larger than life while giving the character warmth, authority, and unmistakable heart. Bay is also working with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Cullen’s honor at the request of Cullen’s family. Bay said he has hosted Make-A-Wish children over the years and that Cullen’s loved ones want the organization to help define how fans remember him; Bay also discussed a heartfelt call from Shia LaBeouf six months earlier.