The creation of an animated character involves a complex process of design and conceptualization. It is standard industry practice for animators and creators to draw inspiration from real-world individuals to inform a character's design, personality, and mannerisms. This document provides an analysis of twelve notable animated characters and the real people who served as their primary inspiration.

1. Ursula from The Little Mermaid (1989)

Inspiration: Divine (Harris Glenn Milstead)

Analysis: The physical appearance and persona of the sea witch Ursula were directly modeled after the iconic American drag queen Divine. Animators replicated Divine's signature look, including the dramatic eye makeup, pronounced jewelry, and confident, theatrical body language. This inspiration provided the character with a memorable and larger-than-life personality that has become a benchmark for animated villains. The choice to model Ursula on a prominent figure from LGBTQ+ counter-culture was a significant, albeit subtle, creative decision.

2. Aladdin from Aladdin (1992)

Inspiration: Tom Cruise

Analysis: The initial designs for the character of Aladdin portrayed him as a much younger and less formidable figure. However, studio executives, including Jeffrey Katzenberg, determined that the character needed more "leading man" appeal. Consequently, animators were instructed to redesign Aladdin, using the actor Tom Cruise as their primary reference. They incorporated Cruise's confident expressions, athletic movements, and distinct facial structure to create a more charismatic and dynamic protagonist.

3. Edna Mode from The Incredibles (2004)

Inspiration: Edith Head

Analysis: The superhero costume designer Edna Mode is a composite character, but her primary inspiration is the legendary Hollywood costume designer Edith Head. Head was known for her signature round glasses, severe black bob hairstyle, and direct, no-nonsense demeanor. These visual and personality traits were directly translated into Edna Mode's character design. The character serves as an homage to Head's influential, multi-decade career in the film industry.

4. Ariel from The Little Mermaid (1989)

Inspiration: Alyssa Milano

Analysis: While developing the character of Ariel, animators sought a contemporary reference for a teenage girl. They used photos of actress Alyssa Milano, who was a teenager starring on the television show Who's the Boss? at the time, to model Ariel's facial structure, large eyes, and youthful expressions. This reference helped ground the fantasy character with a relatable and modern human appearance.

5. The Vultures from The Jungle Book (1967)

Inspiration: The Beatles

Analysis: The four vultures in The Jungle Book were conceived as a direct caricature of the British rock band The Beatles. The characters feature mop-top hairstyles and distinct Liverpool accents, mirroring the band's public image. The original plan included having the members of The Beatles voice the characters and perform a song, but scheduling conflicts and John Lennon's alleged disinterest prevented this from occurring. The visual reference remains a clear tribute.

6. Popeye the Sailor Man (1929)

Inspiration: Frank "Rocky" Fiegel

Analysis: The creator of the Thimble Theatre comic strip, E.C. Segar, based the character of Popeye on a real person from his hometown of Chester, Illinois. Frank "Rocky" Fiegel was a local resident known for his impressive strength, missing teeth, prominent chin, and affinity for pipe smoking. Fiegel’s tough but good-natured personality was directly incorporated into the now-famous cartoon sailor.

7. Milhouse Van Houten from The Simpsons (1989)

Inspiration: Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano)

Analysis: The physical appearance and personality of Bart Simpson's best friend, Milhouse Van Houten, were inspired by the character Paul Pfeiffer from the television series The Wonder Years. Paul, played by actor Josh Saviano, was the nerdy, bespectacled, and often anxious best friend of the show's protagonist. This archetype was adapted to create Milhouse, who serves a similar role within the narrative of The Simpsons.

8. Rainier Wolfcastle from The Simpsons (1989)

Inspiration: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Analysis: The character of action star Rainier Wolfcastle is a direct parody of actor and bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger. Wolfcastle's Austrian accent, muscular physique, and filmography (featuring titles like McBain) are all satirical references to Schwarzenegger's career. The character functions as a running commentary on the tropes and stereotypes of Hollywood action heroes from the 1980s and 1990s.

9. Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Inspiration: Michael Jackson

Analysis: The villainous Dr. Facilier, also known as the Shadow Man, was visually and physically inspired by the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson. Animators studied Jackson's lean physique, sharp movements, and distinctive dance style to inform Facilier's fluid and theatrical animation. The character's slender silhouette and graceful yet menacing presence are direct callbacks to Jackson's iconic stage persona.

10. Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)

Inspiration: Rita Hayworth

Analysis: The design of the animated femme fatale Jessica Rabbit was heavily influenced by several classic Hollywood actresses, but her primary inspiration was Rita Hayworth, particularly from her role in the film Gilda. Hayworth's sultry demeanor and iconic hairstyle were key reference points. Animator Richard Williams also incorporated the look of actress Veronica Lake. The character’s voice, however, was based on Lauren Bacall.

11. Tinker Bell from Peter Pan (1953)

Inspiration: Margaret Kerry

Analysis: The physical movements and expressions of the fairy Tinker Bell were modeled on actress Margaret Kerry. Disney animators filmed Kerry performing on a soundstage with oversized props to capture the nuances of the character's non-verbal performance. Kerry acted out all of Tinker Bell's movements, from flying to her characteristic pouting, providing the animators with a crucial live-action reference to create the character's personality.

12. Betty Boop (1930)

Inspiration: Helen Kane

Analysis: The character of Betty Boop was originally conceived as a caricature of 1920s jazz and "flapper" singer Helen Kane. Kane was known for her high-pitched, baby-talk singing style and her signature phrase, "Boop-oop-a-doop." Betty Boop's initial design and vocal performance were so similar to Kane's act that Kane filed a lawsuit against Fleischer Studios for wrongful appropriation, though she ultimately lost the case.