Take 5 with Margaret Kerry

MARGARET KERRY brings a sprinkling of pixie dust to her new hometown of Wilmington. Kerry, who is best known as the live-action model for the 1953 animated production of Peter Pan, had a prolific career in Hollywood. She acted in additional movies as well as in popular TV shows such as The Three Stooges.  Kerry also worked in radio and as a voice-over actress. Now, the ninety-six-year-old regularly makes guest appearances at conventions and shows, and she gives presentations to organizations and groups. Whatever the venue, and wherever she is, Kerry embodies Tinker Bell, spreading joy and magic to all whom she encounters.

How did you influence the role of Tinker Bell?

“When I asked my boss how he wanted me to play Tinker Bell, he gave me carte blanche. He said he wanted Tinker Bell to be me. I love people, and people loved Tinker Bell, so it was a great match. Also, I’m a person who can’t wait to see what’s around the corner, no matter what happens. And that’s exactly who Tinker Bell is. She could hardly wait to peek around the corner to see what’s going on.” You are one of the last of a generation of Disney icons.

What responsibility comes with that?

“Disney is joy and fun and filled with lovely, hardworking people. I think twice before doing an interview. I wouldn’t think of saying or doing anything to hurt them (Disney staff) or the studio. That would be like hurting a friend.”

What are you working on now?

“I travel all over the country attending celebrity and collector shows where I get to meet people and they meet me. I giggle and laugh and have a grand time. It is fabulous. I also give talks to schoolchildren about using their imagination. And I give talks to groups. Last week, here in Wilmington, I gave a talk to (Porters Neck Country Club’s) Ladies on the Loose.”

What role besides Tinker Bell did you most enjoy?

“I have a career that reaches back to 1934, and I loved it. Sometimes I was an extra, and sometimes I was given lines, but I was in the business. I loved doing Tinker Bell, my favorite role. My second favorite role is The Little Rascals. My third favorite is The Andy Griffith Show. That was a joy.”

You have such joie de vivre. Where does that come from, and how do you keep it?

“I’m alive. I’m upright. I can go outside in the sunshine or rain or whatever it is. I don’t get too excited about things that go wrong. I believe things will come together.”

MARGARET KERRY’s full profile will appear in an upcoming WILMA Lifestyles email. To sign up for the email, go to WILMAmag.com/email-newsletter.

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