The voice behind famed Minnie Mouse character, Russi Taylor passed away on Friday in Glendale, California. Taylor was married to the late actor, Wayne Allwine who voiced the character of Mickey Mouse. Disney's Bob Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, confirmed the news in a statement. "Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor," he said in the statement.
"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," Iger continued.
Statement from Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger on the passing of Disney Legend Russi Taylor: pic.twitter.com/4TpSVkT8BE
— Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) July 27, 2019
"Russi will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to her family and friends, along with our deepest condolences," Iger concluded.
A longtime friend and voice of Goofy, Bill Farmer, also shared a statement post Taylor's death. "Russi was as close as family; as wonderful, funny, and sweet as Minnie Mouse, and as talented yet humble as you would expect. I will deeply and dearly miss her," he said.
We are sorry to report that Disney Legend Russi Taylor has passed away: https://t.co/LlwLvCC7GK pic.twitter.com/glZujg1MUW
— Walt Disney Company (@WaltDisneyCo) July 27, 2019
Taylor voiced Minnie in many projects across various platforms, including TV, theme park experiences, animated shorts and theatrical films. She was a big fan of Disney since childhood before she voiced Minnie.
Image Source: Twitter/WaltDisneyCompany