5 facts about Russi Taylor, the iconic voice of Minnie Mouse
You may not know the name Russi Taylor at first glance. The voice actress played Disney’s iconic Minnie Mouse for more than 30 years. When Taylor died on July 26 at the age of 75, one of animation’s legends fell silent.
Taylor has been the voice of Minnie Mouse since 1986, when she beat out 200 others during an audition. As Minnie, she has appeared on TV, theme park experiences, animated shorts and films, from “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” to “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.”
She was even married to Mickey Mouse! Her late husband, Wayne Allwine, had voiced the iconic mouse since 1977, and they married in 1991. Allwine died in 2009.
Bob Iger, The Walt Disney Company’s chairman and CEO, shared his memories of one of the industry’s leading ladies in an official statement.
“Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor,” said Iger. “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. We’re so grateful for Russi’s talent as well as the tremendous spirit and great joy she brought to everything she did.”
Taylor’s work wasn’t simply limited to Minnie Mouse, though. The actress lent her talents to many other memorable characters throughout her long and acclaimed career. Her list of credits is long, and includes everything from the animated “ABC Weekend Specials” from the 1980s and ’90s to appearances in video games such as Kingdom Hearts and more recent projects like “Sofia the First.”
Here are five characters Taylor brought to life beyond Minnie Mouse.
Huey, Dewey, and Louie
Russi Taylor not only voiced Minnie Mouse for Disney but also tackled Donald Duck’s three mischievous nephews: Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Taylor played the three little ducks for the “DuckTales” cartoon series from 1987-1990.
Martin Prince, “The Simpsons”
In a definite departure from the world of Disney, Taylor took on a number of roles in classic TV series “The Simpsons.” Her portrayal of the nerdy Martin Prince stands out among her best work on the show. The show’s producer, Al Jean took to Twitter pay tribute to Taylor.
.@TheSimpsons Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Russi Taylor a true delight to work with. pic.twitter.com/1qNUf7M6TM
— Al Jean (@AlJean) July 27, 2019
Pebbles Flintstone
Taylor portrayed Pebbles Flintsone, the adorable daughter of Fred and Wilma Flinstone dating back to specials in 1980. She last voiced Pebbles in 2015 in “The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown!”
Strawberry Shortcake
Remember Strawberry Shortcake, the adorable ’80s doll that smelled like (what else) strawberries? The classic doll was turned into a cartoon and Taylor was her original voice for TV specials dating back to 1980.
Gonzo from “Muppet Babies”
They were totally adorable back in the ’80s! The animated “Muppet Babies” TV show was all the rage and who didn’t love little Baby Gonzo? Taylor was the talented actress who brought him to life on the small screen. Here he is pictured in his adult muppet incarnation, on the right.
Wow! Taylor’s work was truly an integral part of our childhoods, and we didn’t even know it.
“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,” Iger said in his statement. “Russi will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to her family and friends, along with our deepest condolences.”
Our sympathy, as well, to her family and her fans. Disney will certainly go on, but it won’t be the same without her!