Margaret Kerry, the original model for Disney’s iconic Tinker Bell, recently revealed insights about her remarkable career and personal life in an interview. The 96-year-old actress, who contributed to the creation of the beloved fairy in the 1953 film Peter Pan, shared her experiences working closely with Disney animator Marc Davis.
Kerry explained how she influenced Tinker Bell’s character during a conversation with Davis. “I said, ‘What do you want her to be? Ditzy like Betty Boop? Above it all like the Queen of the Angels?’” she recalled. Davis responded with a clear vision: “Margaret, we want her to be you.” This inspired Kerry to infuse her own personality into Tinker Bell, noting that the character was designed with a dancer’s grace. “There’s always a ballet move,” she added, highlighting the artistry behind the film.
Kerry’s journey with Disney included nine months of filming, where her movements were captured frame by frame. She pointed out that in the 1950s, animation was a labor-intensive process, involving traditional techniques rather than modern technology. “They cast a person in the role and then filmed them with 35-millimeter film,” she explained. The result was a staggering 650,000 pieces of art crafted for the film.
The legacy of Tinker Bell expanded beyond the original film, with Kerry’s character appearing in various sequels and television shows over the decades. Reflecting on her career, she remarked, “Everything that I have done, people are enjoying today. That’s amazing.” Kerry has also appeared in several notable productions, including “Space Angel,” “New 3 Stooges,” and “The Andy Griffith Show.”
Life Beyond Tinker Bell
Kerry’s personal life has been as eventful as her professional one. After two marriages—first to Dick Brown and later to John Wilcox, who passed away in 1999—Kerry found love again. In 2020, she reconnected with a former boyfriend, Robert Boeke, whom she dated in her youth. Their romance blossomed into a wedding on February 14, 2020. She shared that their reunion was unexpected, stating, “I remembered him immediately.”
Despite her age, Kerry remains active and continues to dance. “Oh, I’ll be tap dancing on Saturday night,” she said, showcasing her enduring passion for performance. Additionally, she engages with fans by attending celebrity events and sharing her story with schoolchildren, emphasizing the importance of imagination.
Kerry expressed her deep connection with Tinker Bell, stating, “I love people, and people loved Tinker Bell, so it was a great match.” Her enthusiasm for life and creativity mirrors the spirit of the character she helped bring to life. As she travels across the country, she enjoys meeting fans and sharing in the joy that Tinker Bell continues to bring to audiences worldwide.
