He's been the voice of Eeyore, Hagar the Horrible and assorted G.I. Joe characters in various TV animation projects, but Peter Cullen's biggest role is undoubtedly that of Optimus Prime, leader of "The Transformers."

The newly-released 20th anniversary edition of 1986's "Transformers: The Movie" ($21.98, Sony Wonder) is just the latest robotic incursion in the marketplace. And that's just a primer for next summer when the live-action "Transformers" movie is released. Cullen, in his early 60s, took some time to discuss his continuing role in the "Transformers" saga from his Los Angeles home.

When you took this job back in 1984, did you have any idea "Transformers" would be more than a cartoon made to sell toys?

No, I had really no indication until I was finally tapped and then realized this was all about toys and marketing. And I had no thermometer to tell me one way or another the show was really successful, only by the fact we were picked up for another season.

They killed off your character in the "Transformers" movie. How did you react?

It was a surprise while I was reading the script in the studio with Frank Welker, who plays Megatron. I got to the point where I'm getting zapped and I say, "Hey Frank, have you read this? I'm getting whacked." That's it, I'm done. There go the car payments.

Optimus Prime was resurrected, but did you follow the saga after that?

I had no part in it other than the two episodes they brought me back. I had not seen the movie. They were trying to smooth over the emotional appeal made by mothers and fans [after the death of Optimus Prime].

What happened to the character after that?

I guess I was put to sleep or something. I don't know, maybe I was given a warm glass of milk and told to go into a cardboard box.

Were you aware of the fan outrage over your character's death?

Not until years later when I was invited to Rochester, N.Y., for a convention. My daughter Claire convinced me to go. She said, "A lot of my friends still talk about you, they're amazed you're my dad." I thought, give me a break. I do cartoons for a living!

Was there ever a chance you would not have voiced the character in next summer's movie?

I'm sure there was a huge chance. I'm certainly excited and very grateful that the fans basically got them to take a look at me again. I have since become aware of the enthusiasm they have let go in gaining the attention of Paramount and Dreamworks and the producers. As I understand it, they had no intention of using voice-over actors, and I would probably include in that high-caliber profile actors that would have gained a lot of money from it. They got us for a six-pack of Fruit of the Loom.

Have you recorded your dialogue?

Not as yet. I'm waiting, actually. Knowing it will be released in July, there's plenty of time.

Does your voice get recognized by parents and kids?

If a kid gets excited, it's probably not because of me unless he's seen reruns. I think pretty much it's people my daughter's age, which would be mid-20s-to-mid-30s. It always amazes me and I am humbled by it. I never realized the impact Optimus Prime had.