Disneyland visitors were taken aback when the actress known for her portrayal of the Evil Queen in Snow White was unexpectedly fired and escorted out of the park.
Sabrina Von B, who became a viral sensation through her chilling performance, attracted crowds to the California theme park over the years.
But that all changed in early January. After eight years of “keeping the magic alive,” she was abruptly dismissed by the Walt Disney Company and shown out of the very gate she had entered at just 18.
“It was much quieter than you’d imagine,” she reflected. “I was let out the gate…the same one I came through on my first day.”
Although she couldn’t specify the reason for her termination, Von B expressed that she felt it was “unfair.”
While acknowledging that her rising fame may have played a role, she insisted it wasn’t the reason for her dismissal. “It had nothing to do with my age, my performance, or how I look,” Von B mentioned.
Right after Disney let go of the Evil Queen, Von B was guided out, evoking memories of classic tales where queens meet grim fates.
“I was honestly shocked. It all happened so swiftly. I didn’t even get to say a proper goodbye,” she shared.
Disney’s theme park policy requires its character actors to keep their true identities hidden to maintain the magic for guests. Now, as a free agent, Von B has revealed herself online, quickly gaining millions of followers who are heartbroken about her departure and eager to see what comes next.
“It’s definitely a strange position being unable to show what you’ve worked on in public. But, well, it’s part of the job,” she noted.
“I was good at preserving the magic while I was on stage, but now, I don’t need to do that anymore.”
Von B, who played Disney characters from ages 18 to 26, also took on roles like Maleficent and Lady Tremaine during her time at Disneyland.
She likened her public appearance without the costume to a character from Hannah Montana, saying, “After playing the role for so long, it feels like a big reveal. My two lives are merging.”
Her character, known for her sharp retorts and memorable quotes, including the phrase “all natural,” has been a hit on social media.
“The Queen really takes over. It’s a huge improvisational exercise. But when you embody a character for so long, the magic tends to shine through,” she said, reflecting on how much she enjoyed connecting with fans, despite wishing she could have ended her run differently.
“I wish Disney recognized the value that each cast member brings to the company before letting them go,” she lamented. “It feels like we’re not treated as essential.”
Despite intending to eventually step away from her role, she had a deep love for the job and wasn’t ready to leave.
“I genuinely enjoyed my work and held on as long as I could until one of my dreams came true,” she explained.
Even though keeping the magic alive is crucial for Disney, it can complicate actors’ career trajectories when they can’t publicly showcase their projects.
“I don’t see the magic retention policy as problematic; it’s just part of the job at Disney. They sell magic, and that’s how their employment rules operate,” said employment lawyer Marina Flygan.
Since the specifics around her firing remain unclear, it’s tough to assess if she has a valid case for wrongful termination. Yet, Flygan added, “Even if her growing fame contributed to her firing, that doesn’t automatically mean she has grounds for an unfair dismissal claim.”
“I believe things will end up okay for me, but it still feels like a huge loss—almost like losing a best friend,” Von B shared.
In the wake of her departure, she’s been focusing on auditions, looking to elevate her career.
“I’m soaking it all in at the moment. The love and support I’ve received have been incredible, and I’m truly grateful,” she expressed. But the reality of being unemployed has hit her hard, leaving her in a challenging situation.
She intends to dive fully into her acting career but also knows she can turn to the service industry if needed.
“I’ve always wanted to work in a coffee shop,” she admitted.
