Actress Margaret Kerry, the voice and muse of Tinker Bell, has passed away

Margaret Kerry, the beloved actress and dancer who served as the original model for Disney's Tinker Bell, has died at the age of 97. Kerry passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina, surrounded by her children. Her courageous battle with lung cancer concluded after many years.

Before bringing Tinker Bell to life through her movements and inspiration from 1949-1952, Kerry starred as Sharon Ruggles in the ABC sitcom 'The Ruggles'. She was also a notable voice actress, contributing to 'Clutch Cargo' and 'Space Angel' using the innovative Syncro-Vox system.

Born Margaret McCarty on May 11, 1929, in Springfield, Illinois, Kerry's early life included adoption and a move to Los Angeles. She appeared in films like 'If You Knew Susie' and 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer'. Her connection to Tinker Bell began when she auditioned for the role, captivating animators with her dance and movement.

Kerry's contribution to 'Peter Pan' involved her performing on a soundstage, embodying the pixie's character. Her movements, particularly a fall onto a mattress for a scene in Wendy's dresser drawer, directly influenced the animated character's expressions. Tinker Bell's iconic sprinkle of pixie dust at the start of 'The Wonderful World of Disney' episodes also became a symbol of Kerry's enduring legacy.

Beyond her iconic Disney role and television work, Kerry was a motivational speaker and a radio host. Her autobiography, 'Tinker Bell Talks: Tales of a Pixie Dusted Life', was published in 2016. She was married twice, first to Dick Brown and later to John H. Willcox, and recently remarried Robert Boeke in 2020.