MARGARET Kerry, the actress and dancer who helped bring Disney’s iconic Tinker Bell to life, has died aged 97.
The star, whose movements inspired Disney’s mischievous fairy in the 1953 classic Peter Pan, passed away after a battle with lung cancer.
Kerry died peacefully on June 11 in North Carolina surrounded by her children, according to her family.
In a statement, they said: “It is with profound sadness that we share news of the passing of Margaret Kerry (Boeke), our beloved Tinker Bell.
“Margaret passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on June 11, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina.
“Her three adoring children, Ellen, Christina and Eric, were with her as she lost her courageous battle with lung cancer at the age of ninety-seven.”
Read more on celebrity deaths
The tribute added: “And remember, on any given night, look up into the night sky and search for that ‘Second Star to the Right’. Upon closer look, you might just notice that star shining a little brighter in Margaret’s honor.”
Kerry became immortalised in Disney history when she was chosen to model the movements of Tinker Bell for Peter Pan.
Standing just 5ft 2in tall, she spent months on a vast Disney soundstage acting out scenes for animators, wearing a swimsuit and imagining interactions with characters who weren’t really there, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Recalling her unusual audition, she said in a 2003 interview: “They were looking for a young girl who was comfortable with dance movement.”
Most read in Entertainment
After choreographing and performing a mime routine to music, she landed the role and became the inspiration behind one of Disney’s most recognizable characters.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow…