Russi Taylor, actress who voiced Minnie Mouse is dead

Russi Taylor, the voice of Disney’s Minnie Mouse for more than 30 years, has died aged 75, fans of the famous Disney animated series will be saddened to learn.

The actress died in Glendale, California on Friday, according to the Walt Disney Company.

She was married to Wayne Allwine, who voiced Mickey and died in 2009. Both portrayed their iconic characters longer than any other voice actors.

Since 1986, Taylor provided voice-overs for animated TV series, films and theme parks featuring Mickey Mouse’s high-pitched and giggly partner Minnie.

She also played characters in The Simpsons, including Bart’s dorky classmate Martin.

“Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor,” writes Bob Iger, Disney chairman and CEO, on Twitter. “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.

Statement from Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger on the passing of Disney Legend Russi Taylor: pic.twitter.com/4TpSVkT8BE

— Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) July 27, 2019

Russi Taylor was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on 4 May 1944 and was picked from 200 candidates to play Minnie at an audition in 1986.

When visiting Disneyland as a girl, Taylor said she met Walt Disney – the first voice of Minnie and Mickey.

“At one point during our chat, he asked me what I wanted to do when I grow up, and I said, ‘I want to work for you!’ So he said, ‘Okay!’ And now I do!,” Taylor is quoted as saying by Disney.

Named a Disney Legend in 2008, Taylor said she hoped whoever succeeded her and her husband “love the characters as much as we do“.

Before Taylor, other voice actors who played Minnie included Marcellite Garner (in the 1930s), Thelma Boardman (in the 1940s) and Ruth Clifford (in the 1940s and 50s).

As well as Disney characters, Taylor also lent her voice to roles on other classic TV animated series like TaleSpin, The Little Mermaid, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command and Kim Possible.

“I never wanted to be famous,” she said. “The characters I do are famous, and that’s fine for me.”