Actress Who Was the Model for the Original Tinker Bell, Dies at 97

Born Peggy Lynch in Springfield, Illinois, on May 11, 1929, Kerry began performing as a child and built a career that spanned film, television, voice acting, radio, and public speaking. Her screen credits included appearances in The Andy Griffith Show and the classic The Little Rascals series. She also provided the voice and reference movements for a red-haired mermaid in Peter Pan.

In recent years, Kerry remained a beloved figure among Disney fans, frequently attending conventions and sharing stories from Hollywood’s golden age. She often reflected on the enduring popularity of Tinker Bell, expressing gratitude that generations of fans continued to embrace the character she helped create.

According to family statements, Kerry passed away peacefully in Wilmington, North Carolina, surrounded by her three children after a battle with lung cancer. Her husband, Robert Boeke, whom she reunited with decades after their youthful romance and married in 2020, died only weeks before her.