Russi Taylor: Minnie Mouse voice actress dies

Russi Taylor, the voice of Disney’s Minnie Mouse for more than 30 years, has died aged 75.

The actress died in Glendale, California on Friday, the Walt Disney Company said.

Since 1986, Taylor provided voice-overs for animated TV series, films and theme parks featuring Mickey Mouse’s high-pitched and giggly partner Minnie.

She also played characters in The Simpsons, including Bart’s dorky classmate Martin.

Mirroring the character she played, Taylor married Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey until his death in 2009.

Taylor, born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on 4 May 1944, was picked from 200 candidates to play Minnie at an audition in 1986.

“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,” Bob Iger, Disney’s chairman and chief executive, paid tribute to Taylor in a statement.