Which actress was the live-action reference for Tinker Bell in the 1953 film?

Margaret Kerry was the live-action reference for Tinker Bell in Disney’s 1953 film Peter Pan.

Disney filmed actors performing scenes to prerecorded dialogue so animators could study movement, poses, and timing. Kerry auditioned for the role and pantomimed Tinker Bell’s actions on a soundstage, including her flying gestures and physical reactions. Because Tinker Bell does not speak in the film, movement was especially important to defining her personality.

Animator Marc Davis used Kerry’s performance as a major reference for the animated character. She also provided reference for one of the mermaids. The actress is sometimes mistakenly identified as Marilyn Monroe, but that is a persistent myth rather than the production’s documented reference. Kathryn Beaumont, meanwhile, served as the live-action reference for Wendy and voiced the character.