Do You Recognize This Young Girl? You Should - She's A Disney Legend!

September 30, 2015

This is Kathryn Beaumont, the real-life actress for Alice in Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" in 1951.

alice in wonderland real life
Disney

At 10 years-old, Kathryn was the reference Disney animators used to draw Alice.

Many people do not know this, but Disney uses real-life references for nearly all their animated films.

alice in wonderland inspiration
Disney

The main use of references are for animators to study when animating. Live action reference is very helpful in understanding motion, physicality, timing, and subtleties of expression.

And not just people! The Lion King had animals (lions, meerkats, warthogs, etc.) brought in to provide reference for animators too.

alice in wonderland real life
Disney

These actors are what made Disney who they are today, creating their unique and distinctive style.

alice in wonderland real life
Disney

alice in wonderland
Disney

Kathryn also voiced Alice!

Below is a very rare clip of Kathryn acting out the tea party scene:

Here is another clip of Kathryn acting out the scene of Alice and the talking door knob:

After Alice in Wonderland, Kathryn went on to voice Wendy in Peter Pan.

disney live action actress
Disney

But after the release of Peter Pan in 1953, Kathryn resumed regular schooling and enrolled at the University of Southern California, where she earned a degree and teaching credentials. She continued to work for Disney each summer during college. On the completion of her studies, and for the next 30 years, Kathryn devoted her time and energy to being a teacher in a local elementary school, a move she has never regretted.

kathryn alice in wonderland
Kathryn in 2015 via Deja View

She explained simply, "Teaching gave me satisfaction, and I stayed."

alice in wonderland real life
Disney

Kathryn, now 77, says playing the role of Alice was one of the highlights of her career - and her life.

alice in wonderland real life
Disney

Kathryn was named a "Disney Legend" by the Walt Disney Company in 1998.

alice in wonderland real life
Disney

Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz

feel good videoCouple Rescues Prairie Dog From Their Dog's Mouth, Then Decides To Adopt It

feel good storiesOhio Man Makes Waves With His Fully Functioning Hot Dog Boat

feel good storiesThese Are The Movie Scenes People Say Are Absolutely Flawless

feel good storiesWhy Hope Is The Key To A Meaningful Life, Backed By New Research

feel good storiesJudge Waives Parking Fines So Dad Can Keep Supporting Son’s Space Dreams

feel good storiesHungry Elephant Casually Walks Into Grocery Store For Snacks In Thailand

feel good videoWoman Tries To Help Bird, Then This Happened... And We Can't Stop Laughing

feel good videoNewborn Baby Has Sweet Conversation With Dad While Lying On Mom’s Face

feel good videoSassy Pig Throws Hilarious Tantrum, Slams Door And Gives Mom Silent Treatment

feel good videoConcerned Momma Moose Wanders Into Alaska Firehouse

feel good videoArtist Creates Mesmerizing Optical Illusion Using Just A Marker And A Spinning Wheel

Chris Filippou 12:17�PM (3 minutes ago) to me