Russi Taylor, Voice of Minnie Mouse, Dies at 75

“I never wanted to be famous”: Russi was well known for her effervescent performances and unsurpassed talent for entertaining and improvisation. She brought characters to life with her dynamic voice.

Russi Taylor was an acclaimed voice actor and Disney Legend. The voice behind some of many people's favorite Disney characters, passed away in Glendale, California, on July 26, 2019. She was 75 at the time of her passing.

She has worked as a voice actress for nearly four decades. While she has voiced many characters in her time, she is most famous as the official voice of Minnie Mouse.

She landed the role as Minnie more than 30 years ago. From television to theme park experiences, animated shorts, and theatrical films, Russi gave life to Minnie Mouse.

“Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor,” said Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company.

“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," continued the statement. "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 was as close as family; as wonderful, funny, and sweet as Minnie Mouse, and as talented yet humble as you would expect,” said Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy and a longtime friend of Russi. “I will deeply and dearly miss her.”

Russi found her real-life Mickey in Wayne Allwine, who had voiced Mickey Mouse since 1977. They tied the knot in 1991 and were together till Wayne’s passing in 2009.

Besides Minnie Mouse, Russi also voiced Nurse Mouse in The Rescuers Down Under, as well as Donald’s mischievous nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, and their friend Webbigail Vanderquack. She also voiced characters in animated series like TaleSpin, The Little Mermaid, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Kim Possible, Sofia the First, The Lion Guard, and Tangled: The Series.

“I never wanted to be famous,” she once said. “The characters I do are famous, and that’s fine for me.”

Russi’s impressive extended resume of credits also include Strawberry Shortcake, Baby Gonzo, Pebbles Flintstone, Duchess the Cat, and Ferny Toro. She also voiced Martin Prince and the twins, Sherri and Terri, on more than 100 episodes of The Simpsons.

“I never wanted to be famous,” she once said. “The characters I do are famous, and that’s fine for me.”