Mistresses star Alyssa Milano revealed that the beloved Disney princess, Ariel, was modeled after her for the 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid.
Milano confirmed the long-standing rumor this Wednesday on the Wendy Williams Show.
Williams asked, “Were you the inspiration for this character?”
Milano said, “I actually was. I didn’t know that when it was going on, but they asked me to host the making of The Little Mermaid and it came out that the drawing and likeness of [Ariel] was based on pictures of me from when I was younger.”
At the time, Milano was a rising star on the hit show Who’s the Boss? So Disney animator, Glen Keane, drew inspiration from Milano’s face shape and her hairstyle to create a character that was appealing to teen girls in the ‘80s, reports Fanpop.
A lesser known actress, Sherri Stoner, was the live action model for Ariel’s underwater movements while the princess’ voice – both spoken and singing – was performed by Tony-nominated actress Jodi Benson.
Both Williams and her audience were thrilled by Milano’s revelation.
Williams exclaimed, “Doesn't that just make you want to dye your hair red and wear a clamshell bra all the time?”
And Milano joked, “Yes, that's how I walk around at home.”