Tinker Bell inspiration in ‘Peter Pan’ dead: ‘Search for that Second Star to the Right’
She was the inspiration for the iconic Disney character.
Liam Carter 
Margaret Kerry, the legendary performer who served as the live-action inspiration for Disney’s iconic Tinker Bell in the 1953 classic Peter Pan, has passed away at the age of 97.
A Legacy of Magic
The news of her passing was confirmed via a heartfelt statement shared on Kerry’s Facebook page. After a courageous battle with lung cancer, she passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina, surrounded by her three children: Ellen, Christina, and Eric.
In tribute to her life, her family invited fans to keep the magic alive: “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.”
Hollywood History
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Peter Pan made its mark at the 1953 Cannes Film Festival. The film featured a stellar cast including Bobby Driscoll as the titular Peter, Kathryn Beaumont as Wendy Darling, and Hans Conried as the unforgettable Captain Hook.
Kerry’s influence on the Disney brand was profound. Tinker Bell eventually became the official mascot for Disneyland, famously appearing to sprinkle magic pixie dust at the start of episodes for The Wonderful World of Disney, cementing her place in cinematic history for 205focus.com readers and Disney fans everywhere.
