The Voice of Minnie Mouse Has Died (VIDEO)
Disney confirmed on Saturday that actress Russi Taylor, who is best known for providing the voice of Minnie Mouse for over 30 years, has died at the age of 75.
Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger released a statement on Taylor’s passing.
“Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor. For more than 30 years, Minnie and Russi worked together to entertain millions around the world — a partnership that made Minnie a global icon and Russi a Disney Legend beloved by fans everywhere,” he said. “We’re so grateful for Russi’s talent as well as the tremendous spirit and great joy she brought to everything that she did. It was a privilege to have known her and an honor to have worked with her and we take comfort in the knowledge that her work will continue to entertain and inspire for generations to come. Russi will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to her family and friends, along with our deepest condolences.”
Taylor was married to Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey Mouse, until his death in 2009.
During her career, Taylor also voiced Nurse Mouse in The Rescuers Down Under, as well as Donald Duck’s nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and their friend Webbigail Vanderquack in the original DuckTales animated series.
She also voiced Baby Gonzo on “Muppet Babies,” Pebbles Flintstone, Duchess the Cat in the movie Babe, and Martin Prince and twins Sherri and Terri on “The Simpsons.”
“I never wanted to be famous,” she once said. “The characters I do are famous, and that’s fine for me.”
In this interview with Leonard Maltin, Taylor discusses her role.
Our condolences to Taylor’s family, friends, and fans.
