These Disney Characters Were Modeled After These Real-Life People
Disney has a habit of naming characters after actors, particularly those who lend their voices to the films they make. They also do this to make the characters look more realistic on screen. Even the way someone dresses is taken into consideration when it comes to how they appear to others. It’s time to get to know some of the people behind some of your favorite fictional characters. Some of them might be familiar to you!
Rapunzel — Based on Mandy Moore
Rapunzel is known for her endless blonde locks, but there’s no denying that she and brunette beauty Mandy Moore from Disney’s 2010 animated film Tangled have a striking resemblance. Moore also acted as the voice actress, which was unsurprising.
Rapunzel — Based On Mandy Moore
When creating the iconic Disney lead character, animators drew inspiration from Mandy’s fair skin and light features. Just take a look at their emerald eyes! We now have an idea of what Mandy’s hair would look like if she went blonde.
Belle — Based on Sherri Stoner
Sherri Stoner, the actress who played Belle in Beauty and the Beast, provided all of Belle’s movement inspiration while Paige O’Hara provided the voice. That’s because live-action models are used by Disney to help animators create realism in their animations.
Belle — Based On Sherri Stoner
After swimming in a water tank, Sherri was inspired to play the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid. She went on to work as a screenwriter and producer in the years that followed.
Princess Aurora — Based on Helene Stanley
Another fairytale legend is that of Princess Aurora. As a result, it’s not surprising that her character was based on the actress and model Audrey Hepburn. When sketching Aurora, the animators focused on Audrey Hepburn’s slender frame.
Princess Aurora — Based On Helene Stanley
The Disney princess’s facial structure, dance moves, and elegance were all inspired by live-action model Helene Stanley, but everything else about her was created by Walt Disney himself. The side-by-side comparison shown here goes into great detail!
Aladdin — Based on Tom Cruise
The title character of the 1992 Disney film Aladdin was modeled after actor Michael J. Fox. However, the creators decided to make him look older while designing the characters in late production. As a result, a young Fox was no longer considered for the part.
Aladdin — Based On Tom Cruise
When Jeffrey Katzenberg, the then-chairman of Walt Disney Studios, decided to use Tom Cruise’s character from Top Gun as the main inspiration for Aladdin’s character, he did so because he had the mature appearance that Aladdin required.
Ariel — Based on Alyssa Milano
For The Little Mermaid’s Ariel, Alyssa Milano was the inspiration for her red-haired beauty. Even teen photos of her were used by the producer in order to accurately portray her facial structure and small frame. Ariel, on the other hand, had a distinctive variation on Alyssa’s trademark red locks.
Ariel — Based On Alyssa Milano
The actress was taken aback by the news, which she learned after the producers released a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production. Imagine not knowing you had your own Disney character. Such an honor!
Snow White — Based on Marge Champion
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was not only the first animated film, but also Disney’s first princess, when it was released in 1937. Marge Champion, who was only 14 years old at the time, was cast as the leading lady due to her dancing abilities and illustrious background.
Snow White — Based On Marge Champion
A girl who could act out the scenes was required by the producers so that the animation could be made to appear more believable, and because Champion grew up in an upper-class family, they assumed she would have the elegance of a princess.
Edna Mode — Most Likely Based on Edith Head
Edna Mode is a mystery to fans of The Incredibles, even though director Brad Bird has never confirmed or denied that she was inspired by Edna. Actress Linda Hunt and costume designer Edith Head are the most obvious contenders.
Edna Mode — Most Likely Based On Edith Head
The most likely inspiration for Edna is Edith Head, despite the fact that Edna’s character looks a lot like Hunt. There are many similarities between these two women, including their glasses and hairstyle.
Pocahontas — Based on Irene Bedard
Pocahontas, a 1995 Disney animated film based on the true story of a Powhatan woman, was inspired by Irene Bedard, who played the role of the title character and the film’s female protagonist.
Pocahontas — Based On Irene Bedard
Even though a college student named Dyna Taylor played the character, she was given no credit in the film. After the film aired, Taylor considered suing Disney, but decided to remain silent. Irene, who was a major inspiration for Pocahontas, went on to play a variety of Native American roles in other plays and films.
The Genie — Based on Robin Williams
Robin Williams was given Aladdin’s Genie role in 1992 because he was a fan of the film. Williams was allowed to improvise a lot of his lines because Disney wanted him to play the fictional Jinn. For some scenes, he would only receive dialogue or topic suggestions rather than a written script.
The Genie — Based On Robin Williams
As a result, while the character does not appear to be a carbon copy of the American actor, Genie’s personality and good sense of humor are strikingly similar to that of Williams.
The 4 Vultures — Based on the Beatles
This was supposed to be the case with Disney’s The Jungle Book vultures, who were based on the voice actors’ appearances. John Lennon’s opposition to the feature and the Fab Four’s hectic schedule meant that they never finished the project.
The 4 Vultures — Based On The Beatles
The character’s features remained the same, regardless of changes. As opposed to the Beatles, the vultures in the final film sing the song “That’s What Friends Are For” with a barbershop quartet.
Ursula — Based on Drag Queen Divine
Ursula from The Little Mermaid is without a doubt one of Disney’s most popular villains. Joan Collins and drag queen Divine were two celebrities who inspired the animators, but many people aren’t aware of this fact.
Ursula — Based On Drag Queen Divine
Even so, Collins and Divine’s designs contrasted with each other because of their different frames of reference. And at last, Howard Ashman, the then-Disney playwright and lyricist, chose Divine’s original sketches.
Dr. Facilier — Mainly Based on Michael Jackson
It’s no surprise that Dr. Facilier, the villain of The Princess and the Frog, wears a tailcoat in the 2009 film. There’s more to this villain than the fact that he’s based on jazz legend Cab Calloway and looks like Baron Samedi’s master.
Dr. Facilier — Mainly Based On Michael Jackson
In addition to Michael Jackson, Dr. Facilier was influenced by the “King of Pop” himself. When the villain performs his numbers, Jackson’s influence can be clearly seen in the background work.
Scat Cat — Based on Louis Armstrong
Scat Cat, a trumpet-playing cat named after musician Scatman Crothers, was a popular character in the 1970 film The Aristocats. Many people don’t realize, however, that Louis Armstrong was originally supposed to be the voice of the Disney character.
Scat Cat — Based On Louis Armstrong
This explains why the cat plays his instrument with a gap between his teeth, just like Armstrong did. As a result of Armstrong’s health, he was unable to take on the role, but his legacy remained.
Jessica Rabbit — Mostly Based on Rita Hayworth
Who Framed Roger Rabbit’s Jessica Rabbit was meant to be the ultimate male fantasy. For Halloween, Jessica’s character is a popular choice because of her iconic red hair and lips to her curvaceous figure.
Jessica Rabbit — Mostly Based On Rita Hayworth
Despite the fact that a few leading ladies influenced the character, the main inspiration was none other than “The Love Goddess” Rita Hayworth, according to Richard Williams, the animation director behind the film.
Maleficent — Based on Eleanor Audley
Sleeping Beauty, a classic fairytale film, was released in 1959 and is still talked about and watched today. Maleficent, the main villain, is based on the same actress who played Cinderella’s evil stepmother in the 1950 animated film.
Maleficent — Based On Eleanor Audley
Eleanor Audley’s facial features, expressions, and gestures were all used as inspiration for the characters’ design. Audley was known as the “Queen of Evil” in the 1950s as a result of these roles.
Alice — Based on Kathryn Beaumont
First seen in the 1948 film On an Island with You, Kathryn Beaumont’s career took off after being cast as Alice in the Disney animated film Alice in Wonderland (1951).
Alice — Based On Kathryn Beaumont
Beaumont, a ten-year-old kid, acted out scenes to make the animation more realistic. Surprisingly, she was the inspiration for the scene in which Alice jumps off a stool and falls down the rabbit hole. That’s what you call iconic!
The Mad Hatter — Based on Ed Wynn
The Mad Hatter is yet another iconic character from the Alice in Wonderland film, with his larger-than-life personality, grand gestures, and traditional dress sense all contributing to his status as a cultural icon.
The Mad Hatter — Based On Ed Wynn
The character was played by Ed Wynn, a well-known actor and comedian. Mad Hatter was based solely on him by the film’s creators after that. You’ll notice an uncanny resemblance when you compare the two pictures side by side.
Cruella de Vil — Based on Tallulah Bankhead
Tallulah Bankhead was regarded as a “blacklisted” actress because of her obnoxious and self-centered demeanor. In spite of the fact that this meant she would not have been able to voice Cruella, she was a perfect inspiration for her.
Cruella De Vil — Based On Tallulah Bankhead
Betty Lou Gerson provided the voice of Cruella de Vil and Marc Davis, the animator behind A Hundred and One Dalmatians, used Gerson’s cheekbone structure in the final film, but Bankhead influenced every other aspect of Cruella.
Christopher Robin — Based on Christopher Robin Milne
The yellow bear that inspired the character of Winnie the Pooh belongs to Christopher Robin Milne. As the author of the entire series, Christopher’s father, Alan Alexander Milne, should be the film’s primary source of inspiration.
Christopher Robin — Based On Christopher Robin Milne
Even though Christopher never did lend his voice to his fictional character, he did follow in the footsteps of his famous father, who was also an author and bookseller. That’s what I call a father-son team.
Scar — Based on Jeremy Irons
Long before Jeremy Irons was cast as Scar in Disney’s The Lion King, the character’s original design was already in production. Changes had to be made to the fearsome feline’s appearance when Iron joined the team because he was so muscular.
Scar — Based On Jeremy Irons
When animator Andreas Deja saw Irons in the film Reversal of Fortune, he was inspired to use his facial features and gestures as inspiration for the character he created for the project.
Peter Pan — Based on Bobby Driscoll
There is a fascinating story behind Peter Pan’s inspiration, which is well-known. As it turns out, the 16-year-old actor and model who plays Bobby Driscoll in “The Boy Who Never Grows Up,” was modeled after him.
Peter Pan — Based On Bobby Driscoll
In the end, Walt Disney chastised the animators for too closely mimicking Driscoll’s facial features. “Too masculine and old” for his supposed age, he thought, but the character remained unchanged.
Tiana — Based on Anika Noni Rose
With The Princess and the Frog, Disney introduced an African-American princess for the first time in an animated feature. It’s no coincidence that the actress who plays Tiana was inspired by her.
Tiana — Based On Anika Noni Rose
In response to a question about Rose’s thoughts on the similarities between them, she said, “I had no idea that Tiana was going to look as much like me as she did and I was mind blown. I had no words.”
Chernabog — Based on Bela Lugosi
Another Disney film from 1940 is Fantasia. Though less well-known than the others, this film received generally favorable reviews nonetheless. Chernabog, the film’s nocturnal devil character (whose name means “black god”), will be remembered fondly by fans.
Chernabog — Based On Bela Lugosi
Real-life Dracula actor Bela Lugosi served as a model for Chernabog in order to give him a more believable appearance. Despite the director’s displeasure with Lugosi’s performance in Fantasia, the evil character bears a striking resemblance to the actor.
Captain Hook — Based on Hans Conried
The voice actor who provided the voice for Captain Hook in the 1953 version of Peter Pan was the inspiration for the character. In addition to Hans Conried’s facial structure, the animators also used his full costume to model for the character.
Captain Hook — Based On Hans Conried
We observed everything about Conried’s behavior, down to the way his clothing moved on him. The world’s most notorious pirate was inspired by the American actor and comedian in the final film.
Tinker Bell — Based on Margaret Kerry
A lot of people consider Tinker Bell to be the unofficial face of the Walt Disney Company because she is one of Disney’s most popular cartoons. A real-life model was sought as an inspiration for the pixie’s movements by the animators.
Tinker Bell — Based On Margaret Kerry
Margaret Kerry, a professional dancer, volunteered for six months to play various characters. For the scene where Tinker Bell is trapped in a drawer, she even used props like a giant pair of scissors to make her performance more believable.
Dr. Facilier — Also Based on Usher
While we already know that Dr. Facilier was heavily influenced by the “King of Pop,” there was another musical legend in the mix as well — ladies and gentlemen, raise your hands if you recognize Usher as a musical inspiration.
Dr. Facilier — Also Based On Usher
For the villain’s animation, Bruce W. Smith wanted fluidity across the screen, just like great dancers have. He achieved this goal. It occurred to him that “they would sort of scurry across the screen” as a result of this.
Joe Gardner — Based on Jamie Foxx
When the 2020 film Soul starred Jamie Foxx as the first Black lead, Pixar made history. The animators based Joe Gardner’s facial features on actor Jamie Foxx, despite the fact that the character is based on a real-life Queens music teacher.
Joe Gardner — Based On Jamie Foxx
In this case, though, it’s not so surprising, given that Jamie portrayed the character on-screen. You can see for yourself that there is a resemblance between the two, even though they aren’t identical. Just take a look at their identical hats!
Jessica Rabbit — Also Based on Lauren Bacall
Jessica Rabbit, the legendary animated character, wasn’t based on just one person, as you’ve now noticed. In fact, she was influenced by four people, the most notable of whom was Rita Hayworth.
Jessica Rabbit — Also Based On Lauren Bacall
Rabbit is also reminiscent of Lauren Bacall, an American actress from the Golden Age of Hollywood. The animators reportedly paid close attention to Bacall’s appearance. Isn’t there a similarity between these two?
Ralph — Based on John C. Reilly
After grossing around $471 million worldwide, Wreck-It Ralph was a box office success. We’re sure the lead character, played by John C. Reilly, had a lot to do with the positive critical reception.
Ralph — Based On John C. Reilly
Thanks to the animators, Reilly and Ralph have a lot in common. Both have unruly hair, odd smiles, and high-rise brows, for example. It’s hard to believe that Reilly almost passed up the part because he wasn’t sold on the idea of animation.
Fix-It Felix Jr. — Based on Jack McBrayer
Almost everything about the funny guy Jack McBrayer looks a lot like Ralph from the Disney film Wreck-It Ralph. Apart from the fact that McBrayer voiced the character, his physical appearance was also a strong nod.
Fix It Felix Jr. — Based On Jack McBrayer
Jack is responsible for Felix’s hairstyle, eyes, brows, and facial features. You still don’t believe us? Take a look and make your own decision. It’s another case of an uncanny resemblance, in our opinion!
Olaf — Loosely Based on Josh Gad
Olaf, a fictional character in the 2013 animated film Frozen, was a major factor in the film’s worldwide success. Josh Gad, an American actor best known for his role as LeFou in the Disney remake of Beauty and the Beast, voiced the snowman.
Olaf — Loosely Based On Josh Gad
We can’t quite put our finger on it, but even though Olaf and Gad are not identical twins, the two do share a striking resemblance. Do you have any suggestions?
Maui — Partially Based on The Rock’s Grandfather
Maui, the character voiced by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in Disney’s 2016 film Moana, is beloved by everyone. The animators were inspired by his grandfather, Samoan High Chief Peter Maivia, a fact that goes unmentioned by most.
Maui — Partially Based On The Rock’s Grandfather
As a professional wrestler, Maivia also attempted acting in the 1967 Bond film You Only Live Twice, in which he was cast as Bond. With this knowledge, we can better understand where Johnson’s genes and talent come from!
Sadness — Based on Phyllis Smith
As a result of the stellar cast, Inside Out was a box office success when it was released in 2015. However, Phyllis Smith and Sadness do share some facial features, and we’re not just talking about the glasses, as you can see in this photo.
Sadness — Based On Phyllis Smith
As a matter of fact, Smith resembles her character in the film more than a few of the other voice actors, providing yet another indication that Sadness was based on her.
Zazu — Based on Rowan Atkinson
Actors like Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons, and Rowan Atkinson, who played the red-billed hornbill character Zazu in the Oscar-winning 1994 film The Lion King, were part of the A-list cast.
Zazu — Based On Rowan Atkinson
While it may seem strange to compare Mr. Bean to a bird, the two do have some similarities, the most obvious of which is the bushy eyebrows. However, some of their facial features are similar.
Philoctetes — Based on Danny DeVito
In 1997, Danny DeVito played Philoctetes, a half-man, half-goat character in the film Hercules, which he also voiced. Using DeVito’s height and some of his facial features as examples, it’s clear that the animators were inspired by the actor’s appearance.
Philoctetes — Based On Danny DeVito
The fact that DeVito has added voice acting to his already impressive and diverse acting resume is a welcome addition. DeVito is a very famous American actor, comedian, director, producer, and screenwriter.
Carl Fredricksen — Based on Edward Asner
It’s safe to say that the cast of the heartbreaking film Up, which won two Academy Awards and grossed $735.1 million worldwide, was well-chosen. However, actor Edward Asner was not only voiced by him, he was a major source of inspiration.
Carl Fredricksen — Based On Edward Asner
Despite the fact that the frames on Carl’s and Edward’s glasses are different, the two could easily pass for identical twins. For his outstanding vocal performance in the film’s premiere, Asner received a lot of positive press.
Charles F. Muntz — Based on Christopher Plummer
Christopher Plummer portrayed Charles F. Muntz, the film’s antagonist. To begin with, Carl Fredricksen and his wife Ellie held this character in high regard because of his fame as an explorer. Despite the fact that Plummer is a genuinely nice guy, there is no denying the similarities between the two.
Charles F. Muntz — Based On Christopher Plummer
From his gray hair and Goutee-style beard to his mouth shape, he was clearly the model for Muntz. We can thank Disney’s animators for the incredible transformation of Plummer’s kind face into that of a villain.
Snow White — Based on Adriana Caselotti
It was Adriana Caselotti’s job to bring Disney’s first princess to life as one of the first actors to model as a character model. And it’s clear from side-by-side comparisons like this that Walt Disney personally selected her.
Snow White — Based On Adriana Caselotti
In an art studio, Caselotti was observed by animators as she acted out scenes. When designing the original Snow White beauty, her movements, facial features, and grace were all taken into consideration.
Maui — Also Based on Dwayne Johnson
In addition to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s grandfather being the inspiration for Moana character Maui, we also know that “The Rock” had an impact on the character from the beginning of production. Maui’s hair was originally going to be shaved.
Maui — Also Based On Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne’s massive build and swagger remained unchanged, despite the fact that they later decided to swap it for thick long hair. In fact, a visual comparison shows that the two appear to be standing in a similar position.
Lady Tremaine — Based on Elenor Audley
She may not be a household name, but Eleanor Audley is the live-action model for Lady Tremaine in Cinderella, Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty, and the voice actress for Madame Leota in the Haunted Mansion.
Lady Tremaine — Based On Elenor Audley
For Audley, the characters and particularly Cinderella’s cruel stepmother were a source of great inspiration, as evidenced here by her hair and facial expressions. The “Queen of Mean” was, in fact, Audley.
Frozone — Based on Samuel L. Jackson
“Honey, where’s my super suit?” said Samuel L. Jackson in the 2004 superhero film The Incredibles. We hope this helps to refresh your memory! After that, he went on to voice Frozone in the 2018 sequel.
Frozone — Based On Samuel L. Jackson
Furthermore, despite the character’s facial structure being extremely long and narrow, his other features are very much like Jackson’s. See what I mean? The fact that your Disney animation also happens to be a superhero must be an incredible honor.
Esmeralda — Based on Demi Moore
That beautiful Esmeralda from the 1996 film The Hunchback of Notre Dame was inspired by her voice actress, Demi Moore, is undeniable. We can see the resemblances right away, from her dark brown hair to her enticing facial features.
Esmeralda — Based On Demi Moore
The reason you might not have recognized Demi’s voice as much when Esmeralda sings “God Help the Outcasts” is because Demi enlisted the assistance of another lovely singer by the name of Heidi Mollenhauer for that particular song.
Pacha — Based on John Goodman
In the 2010 film The Emperor’s New Groove, John Goodman landed the role of the kind llama herder Pacha, and if it appears as if the role was tailor-made for him, it’s because it was.
Pacha — Based On John Goodman
All of John’s facial features, from his jawline to his mouth shape to his eyes and nose, were taken into consideration by the animation team working on this Disney hit. And because he did such an excellent job portraying his character, he returned to the media franchise in Monsters, Inc. to continue his work.
Jessica Rabbit — Also Based on Veronica Lake
We’ve already mentioned that Jessica Rabbit was influenced by a few classic Hollywood stars, but we wanted to show you exactly how she was created. While Rita Hayworth and Lauren Bacall influenced Jessica’s face and gaze, Veronica Lake was the one who gave her hair its trademark style.
Jessica Rabbit — Also Based On Veronica Lake
By accident, Lake created her famous peek a boo hairstyle on the set of a movie she was starring in. Jessica Rabbit’s animator loved the look so much that he insisted on giving it to her that she would have it as well.
Mortimer Mouse — Thought to Be Based on Walt Disney
An animator is said to have drawn up a cartoon depicting Walt as Mortimer Mouse, and Disney’s president liked it so much he decided to introduce him as a new character. Mickey Mouse was originally intended to be referred to as Mortimer, based on Mortimer’s thin mustache and slim frame.
Mortimer Mouse — Thought To Be Based On Walt Disney
Mortimer Mouse first appeared in the public eye as Mickey’s rival for Minnie in Disney’s comic strips, and he later appeared in a short film titled Mickey’s Rival, which was released in 1936.
Wall-E — Based on Charlie Chaplin
Since its release in 2008, the Wall-E animated film has been popular, even though it doesn’t have any dialogue. In the process of creating him, the animators watched a Keaton and Chaplin film every day for nearly a year to get their inspiration.
Wall E — Based On Charlie Chaplin
For the purpose of learning how to convey the character’s emotions and narrative without words, this experiment was carried out So, it’s safe to say that Wall-E is inspired by the legendary silent film star Charlie Chaplin.