The Walt Disney Company is known as the largest entertainment company globally. Its subsidiary, Walt Disney Animation Studios, has produced iconic animated films that have left an indelible mark on the industry. A key factor in the enduring popularity of Disney’s animated films is their memorable characters, many of which were inspired by real-life figures. Let’s take a closer look at some of the famous individuals who inspired these beloved characters.
Ariel from The Little Mermaid
Ariel, the Little Mermaid‘s adventurous and curious protagonist, is said to have been inspired by actress Alyssa Milano. Initially, Ariel was drawn with blonde hair, but after feedback from animator Mark Hen, her hair was changed to a more striking red, which complemented the vibrant blue hues of the ocean. Disney animators began using Milano as a reference during this design process, as she was a well-known child star. Alyssa Milano has confirmed that some of Ariel’s iconic illustrations were based on her childhood photos.
Aladdin from Aladdin
The character of Aladdin in Aladdin was initially designed to appear younger and cuter than the version we know today. However, this design was eventually discarded because it didn’t fit the romantic tone of the story. The animators initially modeled him after actor Michael J. Fox, but his look was deemed too adorable. To refine the character, the team took inspiration from actor Tom Cruise, whose confident, mature persona helped shape the daring and charming Aladdin we recognize today.
Pocahontas from Pocahontas
Released as Disney’s 33rd animated feature, Pocahontas tells the story of the historical Native American figure. The character of Pocahontas was modeled after actress Irene Bedard, a Native American actress who also voiced the character in both the original film and its sequel. Bedard’s strong performance added depth and authenticity to Pocahontas, making her one of Disney’s most empowered heroines. Bedard has continued to work as an actress and voice artist for years since her role as Pocahontas.
Ursula from The Little Mermaid
Ursula, the fabulous and unforgettable villain from The Little Mermaid, owes much of her larger-than-life presence to an unexpected source: the legendary drag performer Divine. With her voluptuous figure, dramatic makeup, and over-the-top flair, Ursula channels the essence of Divine’s iconic style, adding a layer of campy fun to one of Disney’s most memorable villains.
Aurora from Sleeping Beauty
Released in 1959, Sleeping Beauty was Disney’s 16th animated feature and had the highest production cost of any Disney film. Hollywood icon Audrey Hepburn’s classic beauty inspired the character of Princess Aurora. Known for her elegance and grace, Hepburn’s iconic features, especially her expressive eyebrows, influenced Aurora’s design, creating a character with timeless beauty and charm.
Scar from The Lion King
The Lion King (1994) was Disney’s 32nd animated feature, marking the studio’s first original screenplay. The character of Scar, Mufasa’s brother and Simba’s uncle, was modeled after actor Jeremy Irons, who voiced the character. Irons’ unique combination of a solitary and aristocratic persona and his decadent look inspired the creation of one of Disney’s most memorable villains. Scar’s portrayal perfectly captured the essence of a manipulative and calculating antagonist.
Mulan from Mulan
Mulan, released as Disney’s 36th animated feature, is based on the Chinese legend of Hua Mulan. Throughout the film, Mulan adopts a masculine disguise to take her father’s place in battle. Her bold and courageous personality was heavily influenced by actress Ming Na Wen, who voiced the character in the animated film. Wen also appeared in Disney’s 2020 live-action remake of Mulan, cementing her lasting connection to the character.
Belle from Beauty and the Beast
Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s 30th animated feature, became a massive hit, the first film to gross over $100 million. The character of Belle, known for her kindness and intelligence, was designed to reflect the elegance and grace of classic Hollywood actresses. The character’s creators drew inspiration from icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Natalie Wood, whose beauty and sophistication greatly influenced Belle’s design, making her one of Disney’s most beloved princesses.
Snow White from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
As the first-ever Disney princess, Snow White from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) remains a cornerstone of Disney animation history. Snow White is known for her porcelain-white skin, short bobbed hair, and timeless beauty. The character was modeled after actress and dancer Marge Champion, who provided invaluable reference material for animators. To capture realistic movement for Snow White, animators hired Champion to wear the character’s costume and perform key scenes, which helped bring the princess to life.
Captain Hook from Peter Pan
In Peter Pan (1953), the notorious pirate Captain Hook is one of Disney’s most infamous villains. Actor Hans Conried voiced Hook and inspired the character’s design. To create an authentic portrayal, Disney animator Frank Thomas used reference footage of Conried dressed as Hook, capturing his unique mannerisms and theatrical gestures to bring the villain to life. The result was one of Disney’s most memorable antagonists.
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