From Shrek to Aladdin: real-life prototypes of cartoon characters

**From Shrek to Aladdin: Real-Life Prototypes of Cartoon Characters**

Have you ever had a cartoon character look strangely familiar to you? Artists often look for inspiration in real people - their facial expressions, movements and even hairstyles. We found out which Hollywood star gave Aladdin his smile, whose charisma turned Shrek into an unforgettable villain, and why Winnie the Pooh reminds us so much of a kind actor.

**Freken Bock — Faina Ranevskaya**

Inspired by the charisma of the actress, stage designer Anatoly Savchenko created a character that Faina Georgievna herself considered too rude. But he was convinced that Freken Bock was not a caricature, but a frank and incredibly charismatic character. As a result, it was thanks to Ranevskaya's voice and contribution that the strict educator eventually became a woman who dreams of fame and enjoys watching TV.

**Baton — Yevgeny Leonov**

One of the brightest characters in the cartoon “The Adventures of Vasya Kurolesov” is Baton. He was voiced by Yevgeny Leonov. The animators were able to bring to the screen not only the appearance of the actor, but also his character. They gave Baton, along with Leonov's voice, his unique facial expressions, gestures and even the famous “wink”.

**Crocodile Gena — Yan Frenkel**

One of the most beloved heroes of our childhood, Crocodile Gena, also has a real prototype. Set designer Leonid Schwarzman, while working on the character, “adopted” the features of the famous composer and actor Yan Frenkel. The tenderness, the boundless love in her eyes, the slightly bent figure and even the long nose that turned into Gena's charming beak are reminiscent of her.

**Parrot Kesha - Gennady Khazanov**

Initially, Kesha was supposed to be just a funny parrot, but Khazanov's voice gave her a special character and delicate nature. This is a vivid example of how much the voice can shape the appearance. The energetic movements, the throwing back of the head and, of course, that legendary cockade - all this clearly shows the temperament of Gennady Viktorovich.

**Oppogoy - Marge Champion**

Oppogoy's prototype was the graceful dancer and actress Marge Champion. She came to the studio and danced, ran and performed various scenes for hours so that the animators could catch every movement of her dress and the gentle turn of her head. The artists brought her radiant smile and the simplicity inherent in those girls to the screen.

**Wolf — Armen Dzhigarkhanyan**

Do you remember Wolf from the cartoon “The Wolf and the Dog”? Armen Dzhigarkhanyan did not only give Wolf his voice. The initial sketch did not match the actor’s thick and bold voice. As a result, the artists added to him Dzhigarkhanyan’s characteristic hunchback, pale eyelids and a meaningful look.

**Shrek — Maurice Tilleul**

Shrek also has a real-life prototype. He was a professional wrestler Maurice Tilleul, known as the “French Angel”. Behind his rough appearance, in fact, a sincere and kind heart was hidden. Maurice was incredibly educated: he knew 14 languages, wrote poetry and loved classical music. The artists of the DreamWorks studio were able to portray his image very subtly.

**Ariel the Mermaid — Alyssa Milano**

The appearance of the mermaid, which has become a favorite of many, was inspired by the young Alyssa Milano. At that time, she was just starting her acting career. Disney artists tried to capture her gaze, facial expressions, and even that playful habit of straightening her hair.

**Ravens — The Beatles**

Initially, the Disney studio planned for the characters to be voiced by The Beatles themselves. The animators gave the birds the famous musicians' distinctive hairstyles, mannerisms, and even Liverpool-specific jokes. In the end, the collaboration did not work out, but the artists decided not to change the design, as it turned out to be very lively and attractive.

**Winnie the Pooh — Evgeny Leonov**

Another character voiced by Evgeny Leonov is Winnie the Pooh. Initially, he was supposed to be quite fluffy and toy-like, but when Leonov came to the audition, everything changed. In order for the bear's voice to sound special, Leonov's voice recordings were sped up by 30%, which gave him that unique timbre. But the main thing remained unchanged: a kind smile, a funny habit of scratching his nose and genuine sincerity, without any artificiality.

**Edna Maude - Edith Head**

Edna Maude is a costume designer for the cartoon "The Incredibles", not just a figment of the imagination of Pixar animators, but a real person. Her prototype was the Hollywood legend Edith Head. During her career, Edith won 8 Oscars and sewed costumes for the brightest stars of the golden age of cinema. Edna inherited not only her appearance from Edith, but also her iron-strong character.

**The Captain of Thieves — Faina Ranevskaya**

Another character, created on the basis of the prototype of Faina Ranevskaya, is the captain of the robbers from the cartoon "The Bremen Town Musicians". They say that Ranevskaya herself was pleased with her cartoon "copy". The character clearly shows the actress's strong-willed chin, sharp gaze and incredible charisma.

**Alouddin — Tom Cruise**

Initially, Alouddin was planned to be much younger and resemble Michael Jay Fox. However, the artists decided to add self-confidence and that famous Hollywood charm to the hero. Thus, the target changed to a young Tom Cruise. The white-toothed smile that has become a brand, a tuft of hair and even the manner of raising eyebrows — all this Alouddin inherited from his prototype.