Sad news makes its way to us this week, as a recent Variety report has revealed that actress Russi Taylor has passed away at the age of 75. The cause of death is currently unknown. Taylor died in her home in Glendale, California.
The Massachusetts-born Russi Taylor is perhaps most famous for portraying Minnie Mouse, having done so since passing a 1986 audition for the character.
“Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor. 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,” said Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger in a Twitter statement.
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
Iger, of course, is referencing the actress’s ascension to Disney Legend in 2008, alongside the husband of Russi Taylor, Wayne Allwine, who portrayed Mickey Mouse until his death in 2009.
As well as voicing Minnie Mouse, Russi Taylor also took on roles from several other characters from Disney’s franchises. These include Widow Tweed from The Fox and the Hound 2, the fairy godmother in the direct-to-video Cinderella sequels as well as Fauna from Sofia the First.
But her legacy as Minnie Mouse and co. isn’t Taylor’s only one. The actress has also provided several voices for the characters of Fox’s hit animated sitcom, The Simpsons. These roles include the likes of Martin Prince, the purple-haired twins Sherri and Terri as well as the German exchange student Üter.
Bob Iger’s Twitter statement on Russi Taylor finished:
“We’re so grateful for Russi’s talent as well as the tremendous spirit and great joy she brought to everything she did. It was a privilege to have known her and an honour 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. Russi will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to her family and friends, along with our deepest condolences.”
What are your favorite Russi Taylor Performances? Share your memories in the comments below.
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