The voice actress played Minnie, Mickey Mouse’s wife, for more than 30 years, and passed away in her home in Glendale on Saturday. The Walt Disney Company confirmed her passing, with Disney CEO Bob Iger saying in a statement: ‘Minnie Mouse lost her voice with the passing of Russi Taylor. ‘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,’ he continued. ‘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 and her husband Wayne Allwin played Mickey and Minnie Mouse and were married for 18 years. ‘Russi will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to her family and friends, along with our deepest condolences.’ While she may have been best known for lending her voice to Minnie, Russi also worked on The Simpsons, playing numerous characters including German exchange student Uter, and Lisa Simpson’s classmate Martin. Al Jean, the writer on The Simpsons, gave his condolences with a picture of Martin, and the note: ‘Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Russi Taylor a true delight to work with.’ She also starred in the Ducktales animated series as Huey, Dewey, and Louie.
Russi (born Russell Taylor) was married once in her lifetime to Wayne Allwine, who voiced Mickey Mouse. He passed away in 2009 after 18 years of marriage with Russi and she never remarried. The actress began her career in 1980, starring as the original Strawberry Shortcake in a series of TV movies. Russi also voices super geek Martin Price in The Simpsons. From then on, she has focused largely on animated and roles focused on children. In 1986, she became the voice of Minnie Mouse, and that became her most defining character. Last year, the actress was present when Minnie received her star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.
