Russi Taylor, the voice of Minnie Mouse dies aged 75

The actress was also well know for her part in The Simpsons, playing Bart's nerdy classmate Martin. Mirroring the Mickey and Minnie characters, Taylor was married to Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey, until his death in 2009.

Bob Iger, Disney's chairman and chief executive, paid tribute to Taylor in a statement released on Saturday.

"For more than 30 years, Minnie and Russi worked together to entertain millions around the world - a partnership that made Minnie a global icon and Russi a Disney Legend beloved by fans everywhere," said Mr Iger.

"We take comfort in the knowledge that her work will continue to entertain and inspire for generations to come."

When visiting Disneyland as a girl, Taylor said she met Walt Disney - the first voice of Minnie and Mickey.

"At one point during our chat, he asked me what I wanted to do when I grow up, and I said, 'I want to work for you!' So he said, 'Okay!' And now I do!,"

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