12 Disney Characters Based On Real People

Disney has been part of our lives with amazing stories since childhood. Even when growing up, people have this nostalgia for Disney characters!

You probably didn’t know this, but many of those characters in Disney movies are inspired and based on real people!

Viral Strange has gathered some iconic Disney characters and the inspiration behind them.

1. Maleficent – Eleanor Audley

Eleanor Audley is the inspiration behind Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty. She was even asked to perform, so her gestures were fully captured by the animation team to create the fictional character.
Moreover, Eleanor is also the inspiration behind Lady Tremaine, Cinderella’s evil stepmother.

2. Jessica Rabbit – Rita Hayworth

Jessica Rabbit is the bombshell of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? who instantly captivated everyone’s attention because of her stunning look.

The beautiful actress Rita Hayworth is the inspiration from where the character design took off. However, Jessica’s hair was inspired by Veronica Lake’s. Her dazzling dance moves were inspired by the dancer in the animated short film Red Hot Riding Hood by Tex Avery.

3. The 4 vultures — The Beatles

In 1967, The Beatles were the most popular band. That is why Disney chose to use their voice in the animated version of the novel The Jungle Book.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were to provide the voices of 4 vultures, singing the song That’s What Friends Are For.

However, it was not enough to go on with the plan. It has been said that Lennon declined Disney’s offer and suggested Elvis Presley, instead.

In the end, the movie shows the vultures speaking in a Liverpool accent, with the voices of J. Pat O’Malley, Digby Wolfe, Lord Tim Hudson, and Chad Stuart.

4. The Mad Hatter — Ed Wynn

The Mad Hatter is one of the most remarkable characters in Alice in Wonderland. His character was based on the gestures and appearance of the actor Ed Wynn. Ed also was the voice behind it.

5. Edna Moda — Linda Hunt

Edna’s character in The Incredibles was based and inspired by Edith Head, a fashion designer. On the other hand, the character resembles a lot of actress Linda Hunt!

6. Scat Cat — Louis Armstrong

Scat Cat from The Aristocats was written for Louis Armstrong. The cat was going to be named Satchmo the Cat.

However, due to health problems, Armstrong did not become part of the project, so he was replaced with the musician Scatman Crothers, and the cat was called Scat Cat.

7. Dr. Facilier — Michael Jackson

Dr. Facilier was inspired by Michael Jackson! He is the villain in the movie The Princess and the Frog. The clothes and the choreography were inspired by Michael’s.

8. Ariel — Alyssa Milano

Disney got their inspiration from Alyssa Milano while creating Ariel’s character for The Little Mermaid.

The actress did not know the character was based on her, but later on, she discovered it when she presented a documentary where the producers showed how the movie was made.

9. Ursula — Divine

Harris Glenn Milstead a.k.a Divine was an American drag queen and a very talented actor. Ursula in The Little Mermaid was inspired by the drag queen’s style and features.

10. Alice — Kathryn Beaumont

Alice in Alice in Wonderland was based on the actress Kathryn Beaumont, who also was the voice behind the character. Kathryn was 10 years old at the time. There is a video that shows the actress working on her role.

11. Cruella de Vil — Tallulah Bankhead

Cruella de Vil‘s character appeared in 1961, in A Hundred and One Dalmatians. Betty Lou Gerson was the voice behind the villain. However, Cruella’s character was based on Tallulah Bankhead‘s gestures and personality.

12. Snow White — Marge Champion

Marge Champion auditioned for the role of Snow White when she was only 14 years old. Marge was a remarkable dancer. She was asked to recreate the character’s scenes with elegant movements.

Marge was both talented in acting and dancing. Her father, Ernest Belcher, played a big role in her career because he raised her to bow and behave like royalty. Because of this, she handed the role of Snow White easily.

Which one of these characters has been your childhood favorite? Tell us in the comments!