Russi Taylor, Voice Of Minnie Mouse, Dies At 75

Russi Taylor, the woman who voiced the iconic Disney character Minnie Mouse, has died.

Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger confirmed Taylor's unfortunate passing Saturday (July 27) via a sentimental statement dedicated to the legendary Disney figure, who was 75 at the time of her death:

"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. We're so grateful for Russi's talent as well as the tremendous spirit and great joy she brought to everything that 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, who was married to the late Mickey Mouse voice actor Wayne Allwine, voiced Minnie from 1986 until her final days. Last year, she celebrated receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside the fashionable mouse character.

Apart from Minnie, Taylor also voiced characters in Disney's The Little Mermaid, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Kim Possible, and also lent her voice to Donald Duck's nephews — Huey, Dewey, and Louie — and their pal, Webbigail Vanderquack, in the DuckTales animated series. She's also landed voice acting bits outside of Disney, such as twins Sherri and Terri on The Simpsons, Duchess the Cat in the 1995 film Babe, and as Pebbles Flintstone.

Along with their statement, Disney also shared the following quote from Taylor: "I never wanted to be famous. The characters I do are famous, and that's fine for me."

Rest in Peace, Russi

Photo: Getty Images