The magic of Disney’s animated princesses, Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Belle from Beauty and the Beast, has captivated audiences for generations. While the enchanting tales are brought to life through animation, there’s often an unsung hero behind the characters’ movements and expressions. Sherri Stoner, a multi-talented artist, served as the animation model for both Ariel and Belle, contributing her mannerisms and performances to create the iconic Disney princesses we know and love.
Sherri’s involvement in shaping the character of Ariel goes beyond being a mere model; it’s about infusing the character with life and personality. Sherri’s expressive performances, particularly Ariel’s lower lip biting, became integral in creating the charming and relatable underwater princess. The underwater hair movements of Ariel were a result of combining footage from Sherri’s scenes in the pool and inspiration from astronaut Sally Ride’s hair in space.
Ariel’s personality and body type were influenced by actress Alyssa Milano, known for her role in the TV show Who’s the Boss? at that time. Sherri’s dynamic performances and real-life actions helped animators capture the essence of Ariel, making her a character beloved by audiences worldwide.
Joshua Finkel, a Broadway actor, played a pivotal role in the animation process, serving as the model for Prince Eric. Sherri and Joshua collaborated to realistically portray the interactions between Ariel and Eric, ensuring that the chemistry translated seamlessly onto the animated screen.
Sherri’s involvement in animation didn’t end with being a model for Disney princesses. She transitioned into the realm of writing and became one of the creative minds behind popular animated shows like Tiny Toon Adventures and Animaniacs. Sherri’s talent extended to voice acting, and she became the voice behind Slappy Squirrel, the grumpy elderly tree squirrel in Animaniacs.
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Sherri’s performances and mannerisms injected life into these Disney princesses, making them timeless and endearing. As audiences continue to be enchanted by Ariel and Belle, it’s worth recognizing the unsung hero, Sherri Stoner, whose creative input shaped these iconic Disney characters.
To view Sherri’s talent, click the video!
