We like to think of the myriad of Disney characters as unique to Disney itself. But as many might know, the characters are not all Disney originals. There have been many other media that have featured the Disney characters, such as the book series that many originated from, "The Brothers Grimm", or the television series "Once Upon a Time" that took those characters and twisted their plots. But what you may not know is that, while many Disney characters aren't original to Disney, many of their characterizations are, in fact, based on real people and are thus an original interpretation. Wondering who they might be? Keep on reading to find out.
The Mad Hatter: Ed Wynn
Ed Wynn was an American actor well known for his portrayal in the 1921 musical revue "The Perfect Fool". Perhaps that's why he became the one best suited to become the inspiration for the character The Mad Hatter. Known to be cooky and wild and all manner of mad, Ed Wynn's giggliness and wavering voice served as the perfect basis for what would become this crazy hatter.
He even voiced the character, so it's clear that he was truly the man best suited to bring this character to life. The movie truly wouldn't have been the same without him.
Cruella de Vil: Tallulah Bankhead
Not everyone who voices the characters in Disney gets to be the inspiration for the character as well. Such is the case with the infamous Cruella de Vil from "One Hundred and One Dalmatians". While she was voiced by the incredible Betty Lou Gerson, the iconic villain needed to be built up by scratch. Thus, the head of animation, Marc Davis, and his team relied on Tallulah Bankhead for the gestures and facial animations.
Judging by the movie, we'd have to say it was a job well done and a good choice on their part. While the voice acting was wonderful, we don't think it would be complete without the animations.
Jessica Rabbit: Rita Hayworth
The iconic sex icon of animated characters. Jessica Rabbit, wasn't as beautiful as she eventually turned out to be. She was at first based on another character meant to be attractive, a dancer from the short animated film "Little Hot Riding Hood". Eventually, however, Gary K. Wolf, who wrote the movie, decided instead to base her appearance on the actress Rita Hayworth who was one of the top pin-up models during WWII.
After seeing this image, we can definitely see why they chose to model the character after her. She definitely had a look that would attract a lot of attention.
The Four Vultures: The Beatles
These four vultures from "The Jungle Book"--Buzzy, Dizzy, Flaps, and Ziggy--closely resemble the looks of Ringo Starr, George Harrison, Paul McCartney, and John Lennon respectively, both in looks and in concept. Although they didn't exactly have the same musical style, instead opting for a barbershop quartet style, they do seem to have a similar appearance with their moppy hair and Liverpool accents. It's not a surprise that they would want to model them after one of the most famous bands in history.
In fact, Disney had originally wanted The Beatles to actually voice the characters, but John Lennon refused the offer. Perhaps that's why they opted not to use a song similar to their style.
Tinker Bell: Margret Kerry
There are many people that would have you believe that the iconic fairy from Peter Pan was inspired by the beautiful Marilyn Monroe. Well, contrary to popular belief, she was actually modeled after Margret Kerry. During her audition for the part (which is interesting because Tinker Bell is voiceless), they had her play around with a bunch of objects, such as an oversized keyhole. It turned out a great success.
Due to her overwhelmingly perfect personification of the character, Disney decided that they would use her and her actions around such objects to model the movements and looks of Tinker Bell herself.
Tiana: Anika Noni Rose
Princess Tiana from "The Princess and The Frog" was another character who took inspiration from the actress who played her. Anika Noni Rose not only voiced and sang for Tiana, but she also served as the model for the character. The extent to which she contributed to the features was so deep that the character was made to have dimples and even be left-handed just like Rose.
We're not surprised that Disney would want to model the actual character after her actress. After all, Rose did a wonderful job personifying this character and definitely deserved to become a part of the movie she played in.
Snow White: Marge Champion
Although she didn't play as Snow White in the movie "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves", Marge Champion served as a big inspiration for the modeling of the character. She was originally a dancer for Disney to help animate such scenes, and her innocent and childlike demeanor was then selected to be used as the basis for Snow White. She even looks a little similar in the following picture.
One of the most memorable moments from her experience was the time that she was asked to wear a football helmet in order to help the animators visualize Snow White's bigger-than-average head.
Scat Cat: Louis Armstrong
The reason Scat Cat resembles Louis Armstrong was that he was actually created and written for the part to be played by Armstrong. However, due to some health issues, Armstrong would not be able to take the role of Scat Cat in "The Aristocats". He was eventually replaced by Scatman Crothers and even had his name changed from Satchmo the Cat to Scat Cat to reflect this change.
Although it was sad and unfortunate the Louis Armstrong would be unable to take on the role, Scatman Crothers did an excellent job with the role and made it very memorable.
Scar: Jeremy Irons
Scar is to this day one of the most iconic villains in Disney. Like a sneaky, manipulative "do-gooder", Disney wanted Scar to have a certain resemblance to Shakespearean plays due to the movie's similarity to the play "Hamlet". Because of this, they decided to hire actor Jeremy Irons because he was trained in both classical theatre and Shakespeare. It turned out to be a really good choice because Scar really made an impact.
Can you imagine if Scar had a different actor? It would be hard to envision the original "The Lion King" without him, so we're happy they decided on this cast.
Princess Aurora, Cinderella, And Anita Radcliffe: Helene Stanley
Dolores Diane Freymouth, better known by her stage name Helene Stanley, was an American actress who had a bunch of roles in Universal and MGM as a dancer. She would eventually be hired by Disney and become most well known for being the live model for a whole cast of characters. Animators studied her movements and were able to create from her the animations for Princess Aurora of "Sleeping Beauty", Cinderella from "Cinderella", and Anita Radcliffe from "101 Dalmatians".
It's incredible to see just how many characters can be made from one person. We're wondering if you can actually see the similarities between them. Only one thing to do...movie night!
Ursula: Divine
This is perhaps one of the most well-known inspirations for a Disney character. Harris Glenn Milstead, who went by the stage name Divine, was one of the most iconic drag queens in history, known for their distinguished roles in movies and TV shows. As a cult figure in the drag community, Divine was important in shaping both the world of drag and the world of cinema.
Due to his overwhelming popularity, Disney decided that he would be the perfect model for their villain. We're not sure if that's some sort of political statement, but we're sure it was all in good fun.
Pocahontas: Irene Bedard
The titular character from the controversial movie "Pocahontas" was created using the help of Irene Bedard. As a native American actress, Bedard was used as inspiration for the modeling of Pocahontas as well as becoming the voice of the character. She was so good for the role, in fact, that when it came time (of course) for Dinsey to create a live-action movie, they cast her as Pocahontas' mother.
We think it's really cool that she got to become iconic in the movies, becoming a cross-generational character of sorts. We hope she can continue to inspire others to do the same.
Peter Pan: Bobby Driscoll
Bobby Driscoll was an American actor who was awarded an Academy Juvenile Award in 1949 for his roles in "So Dear to My Heart" and "The Window". Before his work in "Peter Pan", he was also an actor in Song of the South, and Treasure Island. His extensive work for Disney ended up landing him the role of Peter Pan, whom he not only voiced but did close-up modeling for.
His boyish charm and good looks were part of the reason he was chosen for the film. IF not for him, Peter Pan might not have been as endearing as he is today.
The Genie: Robin Williams
If you think Robin Williams was born for this role, then you'd be right. In fact, directors Ron Clements and John Musker wanted him to play the role so bad that the role was literally created for Williams rather than inspired by him. What you get in the movie is basically just Robin Williams himself acting like he also just so happens to be a genie.
We couldn't have thought of anyone better to play this role, as they were right to choose him. We don't mean to hate on Will Smith, we just think nothing could live up to that performance.
Edna Mode: Edith Head and Linda Hunt
It's possible that Edna Mode's inspiration came from two separate people. It's thought that her characterization was made based on the life of fashion designer Edith Head. After all, they not only share some similarities in their appearance, but they also have their professions in common. On the other hand, Edna Mode also happens to share an uncanny resemblance to actress Linda Hunt. We like to think they both inspired the character.
Either way, we're glad that the vision of the creators had come to fruition. After all, what would "The Incredibles" be without this utterly sassy and strong-willed woman?
Dr. Facilier: Michael Jackson
It wasn't just Princess Tiana that drew inspiration from a real person. The iconic villain from "The Princess and the Frog" was also inspired by a real person. In fact, he was inspired by none other than the late Michael Jackson. You can see a lot of the inspiration they drew from the way that this villain dances. They also share a few similar physical features as well.
We're glad to see that more and more movies draw inspiration from this iconic singer and dancer. Though we're sure this won't even be close to the last time the King of Pop will be drawn on again.
Captain Hook: Hans Conried Or Frank Thomas
It's not quite clear who the actual inspiration for the look of Captain Hook truly is. While the voice actor for this decidedly sympathetic "Peter Pan" villain Hans Georg Conried Jr. is known to have done some live-action work for the animation of Captain Hook, it is also rumored that his appearance was actually based on that of his animator Frank Thomas. Either way, they did a fantastic job.
While we don't actually know who he is inspired by, his character is so iconic that he continued to make appearances in multiple different media.
Alice: Kathryn Beaumont
The titular character from the film "Alice and Wonderland" was inspired by Kathryn Beaumont. She was only ten years old at the time of voicing Alice, but she was so inspirational for the role that they also had her be the model for her. There are actually quite a few photos and a video that you can see her doing the acting for the character.
As you can see in the photo above, she even looks like Alice, wearing the same clothes as her. Maybe she really was born to do the role.
Wendy: Kathryn Beaumont
But that's not the only Disney character she played. It seems like they really liked her previous performance. They liked her so much that they also gave her a role in their next feature film, "Peter Pan", as Wendy Darling. Though she didn't inspire the character itself, she was also the live-action model and reference for the animators of Wendy.
She's not the only one who was able to work on multiple characters. As you'll see, Disney really likes to keep the same actors and models when they like them.
Maleficent and Lady Tremaine: Eleanor Audley
Eleanor Audley had quite a few live-action roles, but she was perhaps most well-known for her work as Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty" and Lady Tremaine, Cinderella's evil stepmother from the movie of the same name. She not only provided the voice for both characters but their facial expressions were also highly modeled after her own. Her work on "Sleeping Beauty" was probably what led her to become the infamous green-skinned villain.
She originally wanted to reject the role for Maleficent due to her battle with tuberculosis at the time. However, she ended up taking the role and the Maleficent we love to hate today was born.
Belle: Sherri Stoner and Audrey Hepburn
The writer for "Beauty and the Beast", Sherri Stoner, was the model for the elegant and aptly named Belle. But despite having been the model for her, the real inspiration for the character lies elsewhere. Audrey Hepburn is believed to be the true inspiration for this character. Her facial expressions and beautiful yellow gown are thought to have come from her and it's not hard to understand why.
Even still, Stoner did have a lot of influence on the character. Her mannerisms such as the way she brushes her hair out of her face were adapted from Stoner.
Ariel: Sherri Stoner and Alyssa Milano
While designing this underwater princess from "The Little Mermaid", Disney took a lot of inspiration from Alyssa Milano. They used a lot of pictures of her from when she was younger and a child in order to get everything just right. She only learned about this the year after the release during a behind-the-scenes special they made. But she wasn't the only one that they drew inspiration from.
This is actually the second character that Disney used Sherri Stoner as a model for. Ariel's knack for biting her own lip was a mannerism adapted from Stoner as well.
Aladdin: Tom Cruise
Aladdin from the Titular title was originally going to be modeled after actor Michael J. Fox. Eventually, though, they decided that that character model they had for Aladdin was going to be too boyish. After all, he was even going to be 13 years old. They decided instead to go with a more manly look, but also a more rugged, yet sweet and charming thief, and from that, they took Tom Cruise as inspiration.
Who knows what Aladdin would be like if he was younger and more boyish. Maybe he wouldn't even be all that different from now, as hyper and larger than life as ever.
Mr. Big: Marlon Brando
This one may be pretty obvious, but Mr. Big from "Zootopia" is based on Marlon Brando, or, rather, the personification of Don Vito Corleone that he brought to life. This is actually a really common thing to imitate in movies. It can be witty, funny, and is a really great (though stereotypical) way to portray a mob boss. And with the number of people who learn to imitate this character, it was no surprise we would see it show up in a Disney movie at some point.
What really helped, though was the amazing work Maurice LaMarche did for the character. The voice was nearly perfect and really elevated the whole scene.
Uke And Lele: Israel And Marlene Kamakawiwoʻole
Disney's short film "Lava" actually does have some inspiration behind it that you might not think about. The two volcanoes, Uke and Lele are actually inspired by the real-life story of Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole and his wife Marlene. You probably know him by his popular cover of the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz". And if you haven't yet heard it, you should definitely check it out.
Although it takes a bit of background knowledge to understand the context of the story, it nevertheless succeeds at being one of the more clever and enjoyable shorts Disney has made.
Mortimer Mouse: Walt Disney
If you aren't familiar with the old cartoon sketches that Mickey Mouse hails from, you probably would have never known about Mortimer Mouse. That is, of course, if you're familiar with Mickey's original design for with this rat-like character is named. It's rumored that he actually takes inspiration from Walt Disney himself. After all, they share some physical features like their posture and thin mustache.
If it is true, we wouldn't be surprised. Walt Disney was bound to inject himself into the franchise somewhere or other and not just by being the face of the company.
Wall-E: Charlie Chaplin
This one is a bit of an interesting case. Wall-E himself is not inspired by the famous silent actor and comedian Charlie Chaplin, but the titular movie that he is from is. Wall-E doesn't have any dialogue. That's why the company was so reliant on facial features to bring the robot to life. So in order to make that a reality, the animation and story crew watched a Charlie Chaplin movie every day for the better part of a year.
They must have really gone all out with it because Charlie Chaplin was the master of silent movies. It must have been a blast being able to take inspiration from this incredible actor.
Christopher Robin: Christopher Robin Milne
You may have known this already, but Christopher Robin is based on a real person and not one who is all that famous. In fact, the person that he is based on is none other than the son of the man who wrote the "Winnie-the-Pooh" series, A. A. Milne. Christopher was actually not so happy about the use of his name later in his life, even refusing the rights to the character.
He said in one of his autobiographical works, "It seemed to me almost that my father had got where he was by climbing on my infant shoulders, that he had filched from me my good name and left me nothing but empty fame".
Chernabog: Bela Lugosi
At one point, Chernabog, the evil demon that summons a whole bunch of spirits to cause chaos on Walpurgis Night at Bald Mountain, was to be modeled by Bela Lugosi. Lugosi was famous for his work as Dracula, and it made sense that he would be the character model for a monster just as sinister as him. However, the sequence director for this part of the film took on the role himself after they found Lugosi's footage to be unusable.
Although he didn't end up actually being the character model, we can definitely still see some of the inspiration that he left on the demon within the film.