Margaret Kerry, best known for her iconic portrayal of Tinker Bell in Disney’s 1953 animated classic ‘Peter Pan’, has passed away at the age of 97. The beloved actress died on June 11, with the announcement of her death shared by the Walt Disney Archives on social media. Kerry’s work not only brought Tinker Bell to life but also helped shape the character into an enduring symbol of the magic that Disney represents.
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Born Peggy Lynch in Springfield, Illinois, in 1929, Kerry was adopted at a young age by an older couple. This early life change led her family to relocate to Los Angeles, where her career in the entertainment industry began. Kerry’s first acting role came in the 1935 film adaptation of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, where she portrayed a fairy. Throughout her youth, she also appeared in shorts featuring the popular series ‘The Little Rascals’.
In a conversation with Woman’s World, Kerry reflected on her early motivations for acting, revealing financial pressures as a driving force. Her career took off during her teenage years as she starred alongside renowned entertainer Eddie Cantor in the 1948 film ‘If You Knew Susie’. Impressed by her talent, Cantor suggested that she adopt the more memorable stage name of Margaret Kerry.
Kerry’s versatile abilities in entertainment extended beyond acting; she also worked as a voice artist for various series including ‘Clutch Cargo’ and ‘The New Three Stooges’. In her interviews, Kerry noted the necessity of adaptability when working in the industry, stating, “You have to change to be what they need. You learned as you went.”
Her most famous role as Tinker Bell began when she was invited by Disney’s animation team to serve as a model for the character. At the time, the animation process was entirely manual, which required Kerry to enact her scenes physically for the animators to capture on film. Kerry recalled the creative process, stating that animator Marc Davis encouraged her to simply be herself, allowing her personality to influence Tinker Bell’s movements. “Margaret, we want her to be you,” was the directive that guided her performance, resulting in Tinker Bell being characterised as a lively and spirited figure.
Throughout her life, Kerry remained connected to the character that defined much of her career. She often expressed gratitude for her role in ‘Peter Pan’, recognising the lasting impact it had on audiences. Reflecting on her career choices, she noted, “I could have been the actress who got her throat slashed in Psycho. What do you do with that? Everything that I have done, people are enjoying today. That’s amazing.”
In her personal life, Kerry was married to Dick Brown from 1951 until their divorce in 1984, and together they raised three children: Ellen, Christina, and Eric. Following this, she married John Wilcox in 1987, a union that lasted until his death in 1999. In a remarkable turn of fate, she later reconnected with a former boyfriend, Robert Boeke, whom she married in 2020. Their reunion sparked a love story that Kerry described as “love at second sight.”
Kerry’s legacy within the Disney community and the entertainment industry is profound. She has not only inspired generations through her memorable performance but also built a rapport with fans that lasted well beyond the release of ‘Peter Pan’. In the wake of her passing, Tinker Bell’s Gift Shop released a statement expressing their condolences and honouring her contributions to the world of entertainment.
She leaves behind her children, who continue to celebrate her remarkable life and career. As a figure synonymous with the enchantment of childhood, Margaret Kerry’s influence as the original Tinker Bell will undoubtedly resonate with Disney lovers for years to come.