Disney as we know it will change forever as our beloved Minnie Mouse has sadly lost her voice. Russi Taylor, the voice of Minnie was pronounced dead on Friday at 75-years-old.
In a statement from Disney CEO and chair Bob Iger, he said, “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. It was a privilege to have known her and an honor 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.”
Taylor auditioned for the iconic role alongside over 200 other hopefuls. She landed the part and remained the high-pitched, loveable Minnie – the longest running yet. As well as being the voice behind Minnie, Taylor has lent her vocal skills to a number of other characters such as Pebbles Flintstone and most recently lent her voice to the highly anticipated game, Kingdom Hearts III as Donald Duck’s nephews, Huie Dewey, and Louie.
Taylor tragically out-lived her husband Wayne Allwine, who also lent his voice to a prolific character – by playing the voice of Mickey. In a Disney-esque romance, the two were married for 18 years before he passed in 2009.
