Russi Taylor, who has given her voice to Walt Disney’s Minnie Mouse for more than three decades, has passed away on Friday. Russi Taylor apart from Walt Disney’s Minnie Mouse has also voiced for several smaller characters on ‘The Simpsons’ including Bart’s classmate Martin Prince.
Bob Iger, Walt Disney Co. Chairman, has announced Taylor’s death on Saturday in a statement. Disney said that Russi Taylor has passed away on Friday in Glendale, California. Russi Taylor was 75. Disney said that the cause of Russi Taylor’s death was not clear then.
Bob Iger said Minnie Mouse had lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor. He continued that Russi Taylor and Minnie Mouse have worked together for more than 30 years and have entertained millions worldwide. He mentioned that this partnership of Minnie Mouse and Russi Taylor had made Minnie a global icon along with making Russi a Disney legend.
Bob Iger also said that it was his privilege to have known her and was an honor to have worked with her. He continued that Russi Taylor’s work will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.
Russi Taylor was married to the voice actor behind Mickey Mouse opposite to her, Wayne Allwine in 1991. Wayne Allwine passed away in 2009.
Russi Taylor was a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts. Taylor has become the official voice behind Minnie Mouse in 1986, beating more than 200 competitors who auditioned. Russi Taylor has voiced Minnie Mouse across almost all of Disney Projects in film, theme parks, and television, including the movie ‘Who Framed Roger Rabbit?’ and the television show Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
Russi Taylor has also lent her voice to various characters from the films The Smurfs, Teenage Mutant Ninja, Paddington Bear and more. In over 100 episodes, Russi Taylor has voiced twins Sherri and Terri in ‘The Simpsons.’