Russi Taylor: Actress who was voice of Minnie Mouse dies aged 75

Russi Taylor was chosen as the voice of Minnie in 1986 and married the man who voiced Mickey Mouse five years later.

Image: Russi Taylor had voiced Minnie Mouse since 1986

Actress Russi Taylor, who was the voice of Minnie Mouse for more than three decades, has died at the age of 75.
Taylor died on Friday in California, according to Walt Disney chairman Bob Iger.
He did not reveal the cause of her death.
Originally from Cambridge, Massachusetts, Taylor had landed the role in 1986, beating more than 200 other hopefuls.
She went on to voice the famous female mouse in Disney films, television programmes and theme parks, including the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and the TV show Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

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In 1991, she also married Wayne Allwine, who voiced Mickey Mouse from 1977 until his death in 2009.

They were both named Disney Legends in 2008.

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Her talents did not stop with Minnie, however. She also voiced other characters including some on The Simpsons such as Bart's classmate Martin Prince and purple-haired twins Sherri and Terri.

Image: Taylor was married to Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey Mouse

Iger said: "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.
"It was a privilege to have known her and an honour 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."
Bill Farmer, who voiced Goofy alongside Taylor, said she was "as wonderful, funny, and sweet as Minnie Mouse, and as talented yet humble as you would expect".