Russi voiced Minnie for more than 30 years
Minnie Mouse voice actress Russi Taylor has died at the age of 75.
Russi, who voiced Mickey Mouse’s wife for more than 30 years, passed away in her home in Glendale, California, on Friday. Her cause of death has not been revealed.
The Walt Disney Company confirmed her passing, with Disney CEO Bob Iger saying in a statement: “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 she did.”
He continued: “It was a privilege to have known her and an honour 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.”
Russi voiced the famous female mouse in Disney films, television programmes and theme parks, including the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and the TV show Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
In 1991, she married Wayne Allwine, who voiced Mickey Mouse from 1977 until his death in 2009.
Russi also worked on The Simpsons, playing numerous characters including German exchange student Uter, and Bart Simpson’s classmate Martin Prince.
