Original 'Tinker Bell' Dancer Margaret Kerry Continues Performing at 96

Margaret Kerry, the woman who served as the original live-action reference model for Disney's 'Tinker Bell,' is still full of energy and performing at age 96.

Kerry brought the iconic fairy to life through her movements during the production of 'Peter Pan' in 1953, helping Disney animators shape the character's personality, posture, and signature attitude. Beyond her work as 'Tinker Bell,' she built a successful acting career with roles in 'The Andy Griffith Show,' 'The Little Rascals,' and the classic TV series 'The Lone Ranger.'

Margaret Kerry is Still Tap Dancing 

During a recent appearance at Mayberry Days, an annual celebration honouring 'The Andy Griffith Show,' Kerry shared that she would be tap dancing at the event. True to her word, she later surprised the crowd by performing a lively tap routine on stage to the beloved theme song from the show. Videos from previous years of the festival also show her continuing to dance with impressive energy and enthusiasm.

Image Courtesy: Thalian Hall/ Instagram

Ahead of the event, Margaret Kerry spoke about her ongoing love for attending fan conventions, celebrity events, and collector shows across the country. She said she still enjoys meeting fans, sharing stories, and spreading positivity. In addition, she regularly speaks to schoolchildren and groups about the importance of creativity, imagination, and staying curious throughout life.

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Margaret Kerry's Acting Career

Born as Peggy Lynch, she later adopted the stage name Margaret Kerry after a fellow performer suggested that her birth name lacked sparkle and didn't fit show business.

Kerry's personal life has been just as remarkable as her career. She married her first husband, Dick Brown, in 1951, and the couple remained together until their divorce in 1984. In 1987, she married John Wilcox, and they stayed together until his passing in 1999.

Image Courtesy: IMDb

Two decades later, life brought an unexpected second chance at love. She reconnected with Robert Boeke, a World War II veteran she had briefly dated in her youth but had not seen for nearly 70 years. Boeke discovered her contact information after spotting a toy shop named after 'Tinker Bell' while travelling in Amsterdam for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Within weeks of reconnecting over the phone, he drove eight hours to see her in person.

Despite not planning on entering another relationship after being widowed for so long, Margaret Kerry found their reunion deeply meaningful. She proposed to Boeke herself, and the two were married on Valentine's Day in 2020.

Now in her nineties, Margaret Kerry continues living life with enthusiasm, travelling, performing, and connecting with fans while proving that age is no barrier to passion, creativity, or love.

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