Margaret Kerry, the Iconic Model for Tinker Bell in ‘Peter Pan,’ Passes Away at 97

Margaret Kerry, the actress and dancer who inspired the creation of Tinker Bell in Disney’s 1953 animated classic Peter Pan, has passed away at the age of 97. She died peacefully on June 11, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina, surrounded by her three children, Ellen, Christina, and Eric. Her family shared the news on Kerry’s Facebook page, expressing profound sadness over her passing after a brave battle with lung cancer.

In their statement, the family encouraged fans to look to the night sky and search for the “Second Star to the Right,” suggesting that it might shine a little brighter in honor of Kerry.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Kerry’s career began in the late 1940s when she starred as Sharon Ruggles in the ABC sitcom The Ruggles from 1949 to 1952. This show was notable for being one of the first television series produced in Hollywood rather than New York. The series finale featured her character getting married and going on her honeymoon, marking a significant moment in her early career.

In addition to her television work, Kerry lent her voice to various animated series, including Clutch Cargo in 1959 and Space Angel from 1962 to 1964. She also appeared in Captain Fathom in 1965, utilizing the Syncro-Vox technique, which involved superimposing real human lips over animated characters. Kerry’s contributions to animation extended to The New Three Stooges, where she performed live segments alongside Moe Howard and Larry Fine.

The Role of Tinker Bell

Kerry’s journey to becoming the model for Tinker Bell began when she was sent to audition for Disney Studios. At the time, she was working as an assistant dance director on the musical I’ll Get By. During her audition, she was tasked with demonstrating dance movements for a character that would not speak. To prepare, she choreographed a pantomime routine at home, showcasing her creativity and dance skills.

Once hired, Kerry spent six to nine months performing on a vast soundstage, wearing a one-piece bathing suit and her hair in a bun. She was observed by Marc Davis, one of Disney’s renowned animators, and other members of the animation team. Kerry described the experience as challenging, as she often had to imagine the context of her movements without any other actors to interact with.

Legacy and Later Life

Peter Pan, which featured Bobby Driscoll as Peter and Kathryn Beaumont as Wendy Darling, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1953 and became a box office success. Tinker Bell later evolved into a beloved mascot for Disneyland, where she sprinkled her “magic pixie dust” at the beginning of episodes of The Wonderful World of Disney.

Kerry’s portrayal of Tinker Bell was characterized by her feisty and beguiling nature, which resonated with audiences. She reflected on her connection to the character, noting that viewers loved Tinker Bell whether she was mischievous or virtuous.

Born Margaret McCarty on May 11, 1929, in Springfield, Illinois, Kerry faced early challenges when her mother died during childbirth. She and two siblings were put up for adoption, and she was raised by Fred and Grace Lynch in Los Angeles. Kerry’s early performances included roles in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. She also worked as a stand-in for Elizabeth Taylor in National Velvet.

After her time on The Ruggles, Kerry continued to work in television, appearing on The Lone Ranger and The Andy Griffith Show. In her later years, she became a motivational speaker and hosted a program for a Christian radio station in Los Angeles.

Kerry was married to Dick Brown from 1951 until their divorce in 1984. She later married John H. Willcox in 1987, who passed away in 1999. In 2020, she rekindled a romance with Robert Boeke, whom she had dated seven decades earlier, marrying him on Valentine’s Day. Boeke died on May 24, 2026.

Kerry is survived by her three children. Reflecting on her experience watching Peter Pan for the first time, she expressed her enchantment with the film, stating that it was a blessing to see herself represented on screen.

As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.

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Published on 2026-06-12 11:28:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk