Margaret Kerry, who modeled the movements and expressions for Disney’s animated fairy Tinker Bell in “Peter Pan,” has died. She was 97. Multiple outlets report that her work helped animators bring the character to life, and that she became closely associated with one of Disney’s most enduring mascots.
According to reports, Kerry’s death occurred on Thursday, June 11, and her family announced it in a Facebook message. Deadline adds that she died of lung cancer in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Beyond her role as the Tinker Bell model, Kerry also had an on-screen and performance career. The Hollywood Reporter reports that she appeared opposite Eddie Cantor in the film “If You Knew Susie,” acted on the early ABC sitcom “The Ruggles,” and did voice work for cartoons. Other coverage emphasizes her lasting impact through her contribution to Disney animation.
