Russi Taylor, Iconic Voice Of Minnie Mouse, Dies

LOS ANGELES, CA — Though she might not be recognized on the street, actress Russi Taylor had a voice that most people on the planet would recognize as the sweetest voice in show business. Taylor, the woman who gave voice to Minnie Mouse, died Friday. She was 75.

Though her voice wove tales of Disney magic, Taylor's own real-life story held something of fairytale, too. For nearly twenty years until his death in 2009, Taylor, the voice of Minnie, was married to Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey Mouse. No actors voiced Minnie or Mickey longer than Taylor and Allwine.

Taylor had voiced the beloved Minnie Mouse since 1986 along with countless other cartoon characters, making an indelible impression on the world of animation. The Walt Disney Company and others in Hollywood Monday mourned the loss of Taylor, who died at her home in Glendale.

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"Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor," said Bob Iger, Disney's chairman and CEO. "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. 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 beat out 200 other actresses to get the role of Minnie, and she the iconic Disney mouse in Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse starting in 1986.

In addition to Minnie Mouse, Taylor was the voice of Huey, Dewey and Louie and several supporting characters on "The Simpsons."

"The Simpsons" producer Josh Weinstein tweeted, "Farewell to the wonderful Russi Taylor, who brought such joy to many of our favorite characters like Martin Prince, Uter and so many more on The Simpsons & Disney & the animated world."

Taylor also did voice work on "The Smurfs," "Paddington Bear," "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and more.

Funeral arrangements for Taylor have not been announced.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.