The woman who brought animation to life, Russi Taylor, has died at the age of 75 in Glendale, California.
Taylor voiced the cartoon character Minnie Mouse for over three decades. The Chairman of Walt Disney Co., Bob Iger, announced the icon’s death in a statement. The actor died from colon cancer.
The love between Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse was not only a make believe tale, but a romantic reality. Taylor was married to Wayne Allwine, who voiced Mickey Mouse from 1977 until the legend died in 2009.
Chairman Bob Iger said “Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor.” A distinguishable voice for a Disney symbol, Russi Taylor defeated over 200 candidates who auditioned for the Minnie Mouse role. Her first major film voicing the Minnie was in 1988 for the TV movie Totally Minnie. Aside from mastering Minnie’s voice on TV, film and theme parks, the actor also voiced other characters such as Pebbles Flintstone in The Flintstone Comedy Show and characters from The Simpsons, including Martin Prince and twins Sherri and Terri.
“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,” said Walt Disney Co. Chairman Bob Iger.
Photos: Getty