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And now we return to E! True Hollywood Story -- Optimus Prime.

The early 21st century wasn't kind to the Autobot leader. With revenues from his successful 80's cartoon drying up, the accumulated losses he took from his investments in WorldCom and Enron, and the disaster that was the short-lived game show Autobot or Decepticon, Optimus Prime could barley put a cube of Energon on the table. He tried to get back in television with small bit parts on According to Jim and Still Standing but no one was really watching.

Then, around 2005, things turned around for Optimus. Seth Green and Matt Senreich, executive producers and creators of the Adult Swim program Robot Chicken, called Prime into their offices to make him an offer: help prevent prostate cancer by promoting annual prostate exams. Optimus, still playing the role of leader despite the fact that there was no longer anyone to lead, demanded that some of his fellow Autobots join him in this crusade. Reluctantly Green and Senreich agreed. The result of their partnership resulted in the poignant Public Service Announcement that you can view below.

In an interview for the Transformers movie Optimus Prime said that he wouldn't be where he was right now without doing this PSA. He declared it one of the finest and most refreshing roles he has ever had and enjoys watching it every time it appears on Robot Chicken. Prime went on to say that Seth and Matt were nothing but cordial to him and the rest of his Autobot partners.

What's next for Optimus Prime? Well, after appearing at the premiere screening in London of Transformers, he will take some time off (giving the role of Autobot leader back to Rodimus Prime) then begin rehearsals for the traveling company production of The Producers where he will play Leopold Bloom.

Next week on True Hollywood Story -- The Gobots