Margaret Kerry, Inspiration for Tinker Bell, Passes Away at 97
Margaret Kerry, the actress and model who was the inspiration behind Disney’s iconic character Tinker Bell, passed away on Thursday at the age of 97.
According to Deadline, Tinker Bell, a beloved part of the 1953 film “Peter Pan,” was designed using Kerry’s likeness. Her passing was announced on Facebook by Linda Swisher and Sher Lancaster from Tinker Bell’s Gift Shop. The Walt Disney Archives also confirmed her death on Instagram.
“With deep sorrow, we share the news of Margaret Kerry (Boeke), our cherished Tinker Bell. Margaret peacefully entered the arms of Jesus on June 11, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina,” Swisher and Lancaster stated.
“Her three loving children, Ellen, Christina, and Eric, were by her side as she bravely fought lung cancer at ninety-seven.”
Their message continued, “Margaret felt truly blessed by the extraordinary life she led and was thankful for her loved ones and all the friends and fans she encountered throughout her journey. She wanted everyone to know she was at peace, ready for the next chapter, and trusted that God was eager to welcome her home.”
The tribute captured her lively spirit, stating, “Each night, look up at the sky and search for that ‘Second Star to the Right.’ You might just see that star shining a bit brighter in honor of Margaret.”
Before her passing, Kerry requested that they share a photo of her alongside Tinker Bell.
In a 2003 conversation with Jim Korkis, Kerry recounted the distinct audition that led her to embody Tinker Bell.
“How do you audition for a character that doesn’t speak? I set up a dance room with mirrors and a barre at home,” she recalled. “I had a little record player and practiced a pantomime of making breakfast to the beat. You know, carrying eggs and maybe dropping one, closing the fridge with my foot, and so on—just trying to create as much variety as I could in a little story.”
During her studio audition, she reflected, “There was no one to react to; I had to imagine everything.” She mentioned having occasional props but mostly had to use her imagination as she pretended to look up from under something or wander around.
That’s how Disney’s Tinker Bell came to life.
Kerry had a long career in entertainment; she portrayed Sharon Ruggles on “The Ruggles” from 1949 to 1952. She also lent her voice to projects like “Clutch Cargo” in 1959, “Space Angel” from 1962-64, and “The New Three Stooges” in 1965.
Her appearances extended to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” and “The Star Maker,” among others. Kicking off her career, she was also part of one episode of “The Lone Ranger.”
In addition to acting, Kerry was a motivational speaker and hosted a Los Angeles-based Christian radio show for 12 years. She also wrote an autobiography titled “Tinker Bell Talks: Tales of a Pixie Dusted Life,” published in 20106.
Tinker Bell has become a legendary symbol for Disney, and Kerry’s contribution to the character remains a lasting part of her legacy. Tinker Bell first appeared in a 1904 adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s 1902 book “The Little White Bird.”
