50+ Disney Characters that Are Based on Real People

One of the most recognizable characters when it comes to Disney is undoubtedly Tinkerbell. The pixie who was first featured in Peter Pan (1953) as Peter’s companion is now an unofficial Disney mascot, next to the main guy Mickey Mouse, even though she was a secondary character.

Although Tinkerbell had no speaking lines throughout the whole movie, a live-action model was hired so that animators could get her body language just right. Dancer Margaret Kelly was brought on board for this role and spent six months acting out various scenes and even using props like a giant pair of scissors.