Top 10 Celebs You Didn't Know Inspired Disney Characters
These are the famous faces that have inspired Disney characters! Edith Head inspired the creators to make Edna Mode, Ed Asner for Carl Frederickson, Eleanor Audley for Lady Tremaine and Maleficent, Danny DeVito as Phil, Alyssa Milano for Ariel, Jeremy Irons for Scar and Robin Williams for the Genie.
#10: Edith Head for Edna Mode “The Incredibles” (2004)
Brad Bird, the writer and director of 2004’s "The Incredibles" denies that this beloved designer character was influenced by fashion icon, Edith Head. Yet, the character of Edna shares a clear likeness with the famous costume designer, in profession, wit and appearance – especially the blunt bangs and oversized frames. One dressed superheroes, the other superstars, so it’s not exactly a stretch. Head’s famous works include Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, Grace Kelly in “Rear Window”, and Elizabeth Taylor in “Elephant Walk”. Whether one served as inspiration for the other or not… we’re sure they’d both agree on one thing - no white super suits after labour day.
#9: Divine for Ursula “The Little Mermaid” (1989)
This drag queen’s colorful résumé, filled with cult films by John Waters, might not lend itself to a children’s cartoon, yet his outrageous appearance and stage presence served as the model for the villain in 1989’s “The Little Mermaid” nonetheless. With the two placed side by side, the resemblance is undeniable. Her eye makeup, taste in jewelry, hairstyle, even her body type - Ursula shares a lot in common with her larger-than-life real world inspiration. Sadly, us poor unfortunate souls never got to see Divine, aka Harris Glenn Milstead, bring the character to life, as he died of heart failure in 1988. Thankfully, he’ll always live on in film, and to a certain extent, through Ursula.
#8: Katharine Hepburn (& Company) for Belle “Beauty and the Beast” (1991)
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It’s a tale as old as time! Long before Disney’s bookworm was played by “Harry Potter’s” headstrong intellectual in the live action remake, writers were drawing inspiration from one of literature’s most famous book-lovers, Jo March in "Little Women”. The heroine of 1991’s animated film is strong-willed and spirited, which isn’t a far cry from Katharine Hepburn's 1933 portrayal of Jo. Beauty might be found within, but animators still used some famous faces to create the animated stunner. Vivien Leigh, Julie Andrews, Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor, and Grace Kelly all served as models for the character’s appearance.
#7: Ed Asner as Carl Fredricksen “Up” (2009)
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It was a surprise to Asner that he was cast in an animated movie for children, but the veteran actor, often described as a curmudgeon, was exactly what the creators were looking for. The Disney and Pixar film tells the story of Carl, a grumpy old man with a large nose and glasses – which is also an accurate description of the actor that voices him. Of course, Asner denies any resemblance to the character, and, to be fair, Carl was more closely modeled after Spencer Tracy in terms of looks. Asner’s influence further helped to shape Carl’s dialogue.
#6: Eleanor Audley for Lady Tremaine and Maleficent “Cinderella” (1950) & “Sleeping Beauty” (1959)
Ever noticed that these two Disney villains share a jawline? Well, that’s because this radio actress was the inspiration for both the evil Stepmother, Lady Tremaine, and the wicked Maleficent. She served as their voices, the model for their appearances and the inspiration for their mannerisms. For the filming of “Sleeping Beauty” however, Audley actually dressed the part and acted out scenes for animation reference. The late actress was also known for her roles in “Green Acres”, “The Dick Van Dyke Show” and “I Love Lucy”. Eleanor’s famous voice is also used as the ghoulish Madam Leota in the Disney Park attraction, "The Haunted Mansion".
#5: The Beatles for the Vultures “The Jungle Book” ( 1967)
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The committee of Vultures in “The Jungle Book” looks more like a band for a good reason: They’re modelled after The Beatles. The famous foursome was originally supposed to voice the mop-topped vultures and sing the song “That’s What Friends Are For” in the 1967 Disney animation. Unfortunately, because of scheduling conflicts and Lennon’s dislike of the idea, the band ended up pulling out. The vultures had already been created in their likeness, but the producers decided to “Let it Be”. In the end Ziggy, Dizzy, Buzzy and Flaps had the band member’s haircuts, Liverpool accents and musicality, just not their voices.
#4: Danny DeVito as Phil “Hercules” (1997)
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Ever wanted to see the star of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” with goat legs? It already happened! This half-man half-goat with a short temper is not only voiced by Danny DeVito, his appearance is partly modelled after the actor as well. The character of Phil in the 1997 “Hercules” is very different from the description of Philoctetes’ in Greek Mythology, which painted him as a hero famed for archery. Animators were allegedly enamored with DeVito’s facial expressions, in particular the movements he could make with his mouth, so they decide to recreate them on screen. Also… just look at that short stature and rotund body shape!
#3: Alyssa Milano for Ariel “The Little Mermaid” (1989)
During an appearance on “The Wendy Williams Show” in 2013, the “Who’s the Boss?” actress admitted that she was the inspiration for Ariel in 1989’s “The Little Mermaid”. Unbeknownst to her at the time, the animators at Disney were using old photographs of the child star to form the facial features of the mermaid. The “Charmed” actress discovered this when she hosted the "Making of The Little Mermaid" special just after the film’s premiere. With her own Disney princess Alyssa really is “the girl who has everything.”
#2: Jeremy Irons for Scar “The Lion King” (1994)
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Scar, arguably one of Disney’s most iconic villains, is actually based on the actor who voices him. "The Lion King" is influenced by Shakespeare’s "Hamlet," and by extension, Scar is based on the conniving and jealous Claudius. The makers of the film used the Oscar-winner as inspiration for the lion because of his extensive Shakespearean training. The character’s mouth shape, baggy eyes and facial expressions were directly modelled from those of Jeremy Irons. In following Scar’s directions to “Be prepared”, the animator studied Irons’ films to copy his mannerisms and appearance. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Irene Bedard for Pocahontas “Pocahontas” (1995) Joan Crawford for the Evil Queen “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937) Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson for Maui "Moana" (2016)
#1: Robin Williams for the Genie (Aladdin)
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As the story goes, the directors of “Aladdin” instructed animator Eric Goldberg to watch Robin Williams’ stand-up and draw him as a genie. The directors thought creating the character in his likeness would convince the comedian to voice the hero’s magical wingman – a plan that clearly panned out! Williams wasn’t the only celebrity inspiration for the film; Tom Cruise was a model for Aladdin, and Jennifer Connelly for Jasmine. But it’s hard to imagine anyone else but Williams filling out genie’s phenomenal cosmic powers and itty bitty living space.
