Top 10 Actresses Who Inspired the Look of a Disney Princess

We knew they looked familiar! Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for stars whose likenesses were used as inspiration for a Disney princesses’ appearance. Our countdown includes actresses Nathalie Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Grace Kelly and more! Which actress inspired your favorite Disney princess? Let us know in the comments below.
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#disney #princesses #actress #animated #cinderella #ariel

[@MsMojo]

Which actress inspired your favorite Disney princess? Let us know below, and be sure to also check out our video of the Top 30 Unscripted Animated Moments That Were Left in the Movie: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4itnnqCi6uAjLssi=kNh4--YxKsQMF_D1

[@user-lv5zz7wv6l]

It’s cool how some of the voice actresses inspired the characters aswell

[@vanessastegall]

Mandy Moore as Rapuzel in Tangled.

[@trinaq]

It actually makes sense that Alyssa Miliano was the inspiration behind Ariel, but it makes sense, considering her facial expressions and mannerisms.

[@harrysgirl101]

Grace Kelly really was a stunning lady. Like ...wow.

[@MilasMixMedia]

Did you know that Belle was also inspired by Judy Garland and also her look was inspired from the Wizard of Oz with her blue dress and everything, you can kind of see it.

[@chiara1194]

I grew up two miles from Jamestown and had the pleasure of meeting Irene Bedard when she filmed “The Making of Pocahontas”! I was ten at the time but I still remember that she was so sweet, classy, beautiful and talented! ❤️

[@MsMojo]

That's amazing!

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

I hope Disney stops with the live action remakes. Stick to animation, it's so much better!

[@dreamguardian8320]

Agreed, especially 2D hand-drawn animation. Which in my opinion, is the true magic of Disney.

[@denisem8356]

Me too!!I have not seen one that lives up to the cartoon. I think it’s such a cop out. with the money they’re making, and the people they have, it’s a shame they don’t put faith into originality.

[@kimyoonmisurnamefirst7061]

For them, it's a way to keep the copyright relevant in the marketplace, and thus they can capitalize on the characters, etc.

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

@kimyoonmisurnamefirst7061 They couldn't just pay to expand the trademark, like they did before?

[@OpticalSorcerer]

Disney does it because their original live-action films aren't usually successful (not counting acquired companies). I'd recommend they do PG-13 original musicals. That way it's new content, but still Disney.

[@denisefreitas6727]

Audrey and Aurora are so perfect! 💖💖

[@julieporter7805]

Jessica Rabbit was reportedly a "Frankenstein's Monster" of Old Hollywood actresses like Betty Grable's legs, Mae West's breasts, Marilyn Monroe's torso, Bette Davis's eyes, Joan Crawford's lips and eyebrows, Veronica Lake's hair style and onscreen persona, Rita Hayworth's hair color, Lauren Bacall's speaking voice, and Judy Garland's singing voice.

[@KylertheDisneyandUniversalFan]

Aurora is on the top of the list. She is my favorite princess because of her very kindness.

[@lucaspottier6397]

she is mine tooo, she begins to have more recognition these days

[@GoGoSachiko]

She’s mine too! I admire her quiet grace. And it was her voice that made Phillip come find her, plus he never said “woah, you’re so pretty, marry me!” 🤣

[@lucaspottier6397]

@@GoGoSachiko i love Prince Philip too, so handsome and brave, but also funny and seductive 😍

[@corymiller536]

Jasmine looks absolutely nothing like Jennifer Connelly, both beautiful but totally different

[@JoyP-rw5bc]

She looked more like Esmeralda from the hunchback

[@selina5598]

Trust them to choose a white woman as inspiration for a non white princess

[@user-ix1rp9ff3p]

even Grace Kelly's bridal gown was a later inspiration to Kate's bridal gown also didn't know the Netflix!Avatar's Pocahontas connection

[@peterjohnson1091]

Audrey Hepburn became a British citcitizen but was born and brought up in Belgium.

[@ELFey4ever]

@peterjohnson1091, and don't forget she lived in The Netherlands 1940-1945, during which time she even worked for the Dutch Resistance. Her mother was Dutch, and she spoke the languange beautifully, with a perfect, regal pronunciation.

[@evelynverdejo6926]

Isn’t it a coincidence that Jennifer Connely was an inspiration for the look of Jasmine? At the same time, Tom Cruise was the inspiration for Aladdin, and they both would costar together in Top Gun: Maverick 30 years later. 😮

[@erindurkin4441]

Did you see Sherri Stoner who was the model for Ariel? She's the voice of Slappy Squirrel in Animaniacs!

[@aidanhever3369]

Slappy Squirrel: Ehhh, enough with the singing already !

[@snittykitty1]

And one of the main Animaniacs writers, love her!

[@mwv1217]

The animators noticed that the voice actress for mulan touched her hair a lot so they put that in there

[@olvialee7221]

I loved DreamGirls as a kid. I was over the moon that Anika Noni Rose voiced and inspired Tiana

[@gabrielasaldivia7923]

Paige O'Hara's physicality also was an inspiration for Belle...

[@authoramandadewees8289]

Including her mannerism of brushing stray locks of hair out of her eyes.

[@chloedeichtmann8837]

Very interesting , Thank you ! Grace Kelly, Natalie Wood and Audrey Hepburn :-)

[@UCONN_HUSKIES]

They did outstanding 🤩

[@chelseacanales8763]

Ironically enough in the tv show Charmed, Alyssa was dressed up as a mermaid

[@denisem8356]

The girl who speaks and sings for Moana looks exactly like her! I thought that was gonna be number one!

[@bighand1530]

Kathryn Beaumont as Alice comes to mind. Even though she isn’t a princess.

[@dreamguardian8320]

They even had Alice be one of the princesses of heart in Kingdom Hearts, even though she was not a real princess.

[@Tinkerbella89]

Love that game I reckon Kairi should be classed as a princess IMO😂

[@MrGabeanator]

true

[@joshuatewolde1837]

I always like Grace Kelly’s Inspiration for Cinderella’s midnight, Alyssa Milano’s Inspiration for Ariel’s Pink Gown & Mermaid Form because they are ALWAYS the Iconic looks in NOT only the Disney World, but in the generation of Fairytales EVERYWHERE!!

[@saraierace1643]

I did not know about Natalie Wood bring the inspiration for Belle in beauty and the beast, beauty and the beast is my all time favourite Disney animated movie!

[@jontaedouglas7244]

Tiana really brings tears to my eyes 🥹🥹 a black Disney princess. I didn’t even know she’s the only princess with her own business

[@mutantx2372]

I miss Disney's movie surfers.

[@olvialee7221]

One, I haven’t seen that movie in a long time and second, I had no idea she inspired Merida. My mind is blown away

[@cassier79]

Incredible!❤

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

7:50 And also the prince from the movie. Li Shang. Played by B.D. Wong. And played Henry Wu In Jurassic Park and Jurassic World.

[@justineves3588]

Very very great epic list I like it a lot very very great job mis mojo one of my absolute favorite list ever 😊❤

[@GamerFunOriginallyAarush]

That’s awesome!

[@kamsismith]

I didn't know these princesses’ design were based on classic Hollywood actresses except for Pocahontas whose design was based on Naomi Campbell without knowing the voice actress was also the inspiration for the character. I remember that Aladdin’s design was based on Tom Cruise. I would love a list similar to this with anime characters with Asper Lynx’s design being based on River Phoenix.

[@polishalastor142]

Pocahontas was Real person

[@kamsismith]

@@polishalastor142I know that. I'm saying that Pocahontas’ design was based on a mixture of Naomi Campbell, other 90s supermodels, and the voice actress for Pocahontas.

[@trinaq]

Ah, I never knew that Aladdin was based on Tom Cruise, but it makes sense if you recall his 80's teen comedies, namely "All the Right Moves", or "Risky Business."

[@kamsismith]

@@trinaqI had no idea that Jennifer Connelly was the inspiration for Jasmine. I initially thought that her design was based on a famous Middle Eastern actress. I was surprised that Natalie Wood, Jean Harlow, Grace Kelly, and Audrey Hepburn were the inspiration for half of these princesses. I'm surprised no one made one based on Marilyn Monroe or Rita Hayworth.

[@tylerhaggerty4805]

I knew they were doing this for a long time, but had no idea it dated as far back as their first feature!

[@cincyspinqueen2066]

Auora has always been my favorite Disney princess. I never knew she was modeled after Audrey Hepburn. Years ago, I watched a special by Disney, which specifically went to the development of Auora. Mary Costa was the speaking and singing voice of Auora. Walt Disney had a specific young lady to model Auora from. He eventually found Mary Costa. She looks just like Auora! The animations used her movement and facial expressions in creating Auora. Mary Costa spoke about owing her entire career in opera to Walt Disney. I can see a little of Audrey Hepburn in Auora. I see her natural kindness in the princess. I am surprised Audrey was never mentioned in the video.

[@tammylynnbeatricedoyle4500]

Great list👏 Ariel is my favorite princess 👸 💕 I had no idea about the inspiration for the character. Very interesting 👌

[@scarahtl2731]

This is very interesting!

[@helgageraldine513]

Ming Na Wen also looked like the character she voiced in Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within.

[@adriangarcia543]

Good list

[@samuelcollantes1175]

Madelline Wood for Belle. Happy sunday morning Emily. Take care and God bless you. Greetings from Colombia to you as well.

[@kamsismith]

They said Natalie Wood.

[@samuelcollantes1175]

@@kamsismith Oh, sorry, my bad, but still, i like her.

[@selina5598]

Kathryn Beaumont also played Wendy as well as Alice

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

7:21 Ming-Na Wen Was also an Actress in Agents of Shield. And the TV show would Happen to be part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

[@lisawells5781]

Don't forget Sarah Silverman as the inspiration for Vanellope von Schweetz! Iconic performance, and the animation was totally inspired by her look and mannerisms!

[@unfurlinglotusflower6939]

This list is for the princesses. She doesn’t classify as one.

[@Animeguy300]

I love Disney

[@rebeccag8589]

As much as I love Jean Harlow, the features you're describing applied to basically every actress in the 1930s. The actress and dancer Marge Champion inspired Snow White. She even sometimes served as a live action reference :)

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

Aladdin. The character himself happens to be the prince from the story, 1001 Arabian nights. And there were other 1001 Arabian nights movies right before that.

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

2:54 And I it also all began in 1923. And with Oswald the lucky Rabbit in 1927. And in 1928, the Steamboat Willie. Which would happen to be Mickey Mouse’s First appearance. And the silly Symphonies. Featuring when Walt Disney animated all those Fairytales.

[@BroadwayBabyyy744]

Top Disney Movies based on books....I know I know it's majority of them but a top 10 list would be a good history lesson

[@stephaniecowans3646]

Hold on. . . Marge Champion (of dancing/acting duo Gower and Marge Champion) was the live action model for Princess Aurora. I saw a side by side of Marge dancing during the sequence of Aurora/Briar Rose dancing with the prince in the woods when he met her.

[@kathk94]

audrey hepburn also grew up in dutch nobility. Her mom was a baroness & grandfather a baron in the netherlands.

[@aidanhever3369]

That's funny, I also heard that Tinker Bell was also based on Marilyn Monroe, even though she wasn't that famous at the time.

[@emiliobello2538]

Wonderful

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

9:45 Kiss the Girl. And Sebastian assembled some background music.

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

Samuel E. Wright (1946-2021)

[@morningstar4867]

Aurora looks like more of Elizabeth Taylor

[@HPFangirl71]

My fave princess is Aurora. But Cinderella is also one of my faves.

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

8:39 Robert Wise’s West Side Story. And it was a movie that won Best Picture. And 4 years later, Another one of his films won best picture. The sound of music. With Christopher Plummer And Julie Andrews who played Mary Poppins. And there’s also Steven Spielberg’s West side story. Which could also be a sequel to Robert Wise’s West side story. And Steven Spielberg’s West side story also has Corey Stoll And Ariana DeBose. Who played Asha in Wish. And would happen to be a Disney Princess.

[@GoGoSachiko]

🧡🧡 no idea Aurora was modeled after Audrey Hepburn 😍

[@stanserilla9077]

Mandy Moore! The hair of Rapunzel at the ending

[@christianealshut1123]

I always thought the model for Snow White was a girl named Marjerie Belcher, later to be known as dancer Marhe Champion...

[@suebob16]

Jean Harlow may have been one of the inspirations for Snow White's look, but Marge Champion was actually brought in to be the model for Snow White's movements and dancing.

[@jasonbean2764]

If only they could have seen the way my Lucretia moved at age 19. She was the definition of grace.:)

[@MrGabeanator]

this proves Disney animation is art and these animators are masters at what they do

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

9:30 Jodi Benson. Also an Actress in The Pirates of Dark Water. And also a Dreamworks Actress. Asenath from Joseph, King of Dreams.

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

And there’s also The Halle Bailey version from 2023.

[@jons.6216]

I always felt the original Snow White had the mannerisms and slight voice resemblance to a younger Bette Davis!

[@TradMommy]

Pocahontas is my fave along w Merida. They both represent my actual heritage! Both are brave, beautiful & Pocahontas was ONLY Disney Princess based on actual historical Princess:)

[@marcoantonioguerra4402]

I just love your vdeos. This time I would like to add sometihng about Snow White .I think she resembles a lot Deanna Durbin in Three Smart Girls and mainly in One Hundred Man and a Girl., wnen she sings It´s raining sunbeens impossoble not thinking of Snow White. And this incnludes the ribbon.

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

3:36 Jean Harlow Definitely died too soon. On 1937. The same year When Walt Disney’s Snow White and the 7 Dwarves released.

[@CanadianMonarchist]

Disney’s Cinderella was released five years before To Catch A Thief.

[@cynthiabreneman7061]

@MissMojo - out of curiosity, do you know who may have inspired their counterparts? I would like to know the inspiration of Maleficent ... hehe

[@SupremeLadyofDarkness28]

Audrey Hepburn: NOW I know why Sleeping Beauty looked so familiar when I was younger.

[@OpticalSorcerer]

Definitely hope a future Native American princess is inspired by Ashley Callingbull, Quannah Chasinghorse, and Kiawentiio.

[@586bomin]

About Cinderella/Grace Kelly theory, Cinderella gown is silver not blue ( despite later renditions of it) but Kelly was the perfect to based Cinderella off . I don't agree with the Conelly/ Jasmine parallels they don't look nothing alike. I don't know why Disney didn't make a princess based on Vivian Leigh, that woman was absolutely gorgeous. I'd also like to see a princess based off Selena Gomez or Zendaya

[@TheSpiciestGinger]

The Ariel one and then Jasmin one made no sense for me 😂I can't see any resemblance at allllll

[@moviemelody2210]

*Fun fact:* Paige O’Hara’s (voice of Belle) hair keep falling in her face while she was recording her lines so much that they added it to Belle’s mannerisms

[@athenstar10]

I don't really care about their facial inspiration but Mulan and Jasmine will always be Lea Salonga for me.

[@aparnavijayshankar3824]

What about the Disney princes, were they inspired by some actors as well??

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

11:28 And Sleeping Beauty is also a Fairytale.

[@brokenbridge6316]

Will we see a part 2 of this list?

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

8:22 And there were other Beauty and the Beast movies right before that.

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

1:32 The first Disney Pixar Princess. And Kelly MacDonald. Who was an actress in a film that won best picture. No Country for old men. And the author: Cormac McCarthy (1933-2023)

[@johnjanssens8998]

Ok, now do the evil queens/ witches

[@TheTravellingCritic-ke8kh]

Actually, Aurora always reminded me more of Lauren Bacall.

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

10:38 And James Matthew Barrie (1860-1937). The author of Peter Pan. Who would be part Sprite and Part God.

[@lucythleader]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@trszng]

How about the villains which actress inspired them

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

5:08 And that’s John Smith played by Mel Gibson. And the film could also be Fiction. And it’s an Indigenous film. And speaking of Mel Gibson. An actor in a film that won best picture. BraveHeart. And was also a Dreamworks Actor. He played Rocky in Chicken Run. And I would like to put its sequel in Dreamworks. And I’ve also got a list animated films I would like to put In Dreamworks.

[@betelgeuseredstone9082]

Top 10 Actors Who Inspired the Look of a Disney Villain. It doesn't matter who or what inspired Disney Villains.

[@user-gi8pk9uc7q]

That was Irene Bedard as Katara and Sokka's grandmother?

[@parakeet8157]

Wow, Natalie Wood inspired "Belle" from "Beauty & the Beast."😢

[@anonymouse6703]

Lily Cole looks more like a Disney princess than the actual Disney princess.

[@myragroenewegen5426]

It's so striking to me to see this dancer with this fit, strong, but also very pin-up-girl-rounded-looking body that inspired Tinkerbell, and yet it's all her mannerisms in Tinkerbell and none of her actual body. Tinkerbell is slight in every way, with small shoulders and arms, stick-like legs, an impossibly thin waist and not even much bust, as compared with other disney leads. Maybe this is all about what Disney knew people associate with pixies physically, but it feels very opposite to Margret Kerry's strong, grounded, fleshy roundness - even tinkerbell hair and chin has become more pointed. It's to much to ask for the time, but it really hurts to see that body replaced, because it's already an atheletically and asthetically aspirational body, but it couldn't be the immage for this fantasy, apparently. Sadly, one of the better excuses you can also make for this is how often Tinkerbell's body, as this featherlight flying thing in Peter Pan, get flicked, knocked and shoved about, out of the air and into various traps and so on. It's hard not to notice in Peter Pan today.

[@RoxanneSilvia-de3dv]

Audrey Hepburn was born in Belgium

[@gwenniecase2810]

Grace Kelly Cinderella

[@MaxL-zj7eh]

10:27 Walt Disney’s Alice in Wonderland released 1 year later.

[@selina5598]

It's a shame that Aurora barely got a look in on her own film. She hardly existed so we didn't see much of AH in her

[@evepeabody4738]

I doubt Grace Kelly inspired Cinderella... she started acting in films/tv the year this movie came out. They had probably started animating it a year or two before and wouldn't have even known who she was.

[@chaci1]

Jasmine looks nothing like that girl.

[@heatherschall6470]

The one that voiced Mulan was also in one of my favorite shows er

[@mmolenda8141]

Audrey Hepburn Aurora

[@olvialee7221]

Technically, there are three Disney characters that are inspired by the real life figure. Pocahontas, Mulan and Robin Hood. Pocahontas is very different from the animated movie even that she was a kid in real life, Mulan went to the army and became a hero of China but when she returned home, her father died, and Robin Hood is an iconic hero as the legend that takes the gold from the greedy prince and give to the poor