Real Actors That Inspired Disney Characters

"Aladdin" was originally drawn to resemble Michael J. Fox but producers felt he looked too boyish and added the rakish features of Tom Cruise.

In addition to modeling the lead in "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Champion also worked on "Pinocchio" and "Fantasia".

Child Actor Kathryn Beaumont also provided the voices for both Alice in "Alice in Wonderland" and Wendy in "Peter Pan".

One of Disney's most prolific live-action reference models, Helene Stanley began working for Disney towards the end of her film career. Stanley modeled Cinderella and her stepsister Anastasia, Princess Aurora in "Sleeping Beauty" and Anita Radcliffe in "101 Dalmatians".

Actress Eleanor Audley used her commanding voice and presence to shape the wicked women of "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty".

The Native American actress and singer was both the vocal and visual inspiration for Pocahontas.

Ariel was originally based on Sherri Stoner, but to give her that defining look, the animators turned to Alyssa Milano.

Flamboyant drag performer Divine inspired the look of Ursula the Sea-Witch for "The Little Mermaid".

Child actor Bobby Driscoll inspired the animated version of "Peter Pan" and also played the character on television in 1953.

With his arch voice and strong, lively face, Conreid was the perfect model for "Peter Pan's" evil Captain Hook.

Margaret Kerry provided inspiration for the character of Tinkerbell in "Peter Pan".
Kerry also voiced one of the mermaids in "Peter Pan" and played the character in reference footage as well.

Bela Lugosi, of "Dracula" fame was the live action model for the terrifying demon Chernabog in "Fantasia."