Art is a form of expression and the most renowned artists are often inspired by the world around them. There is no lack of inspiration in the real world and nature. This also applies to the cartoon artists. Here we present 11 character drawings that were based on actual people.
1. Mr. Magoo – W. C. Fields
Mr. Magoo was an old man with near-sightedness. The character was designed by Millard Kaufman and it was Pete Burness who spotted a similarity between the character and Fields.
2. Popeye the Sailor – Frank “Rocky” Fiegel
The actor was drawn to resemble the sailor and Elzie Crisler had done the reimagining of the one-eyed sailor.
3. Dennis “The Menace” – Dennis Lloyd Ketcham
Hank Ketcham used his son’s resemblance as the base for the character. Dennis used to keep his parents on toes in many ways. Hank exaggerated his son’s actions in the cartoons.
4. Jessica Rabbit – Rita Hayworth, Veronica Lake, and Lauren Bacall
Rita Hayworth was the inspiration behind the character of this seductive wife. Richard Williams altered the character and made her resemble Veronica Lake.
5. Tinker Bell – Margaret Kerry
Despite the fact that J.M. Barrie had created the character of Tinker Bell in 1904, this fairy was made famous by the movie where the Disney character was inspired by an actress’ appearance.
6. Yosemite Sam – Deadeye/Red Skelton
Fritz Frelang served as the inspiration for this Looney Tunes character.
7. Skippy – Percy Crosby
The cartoonist was inspired by himself for this character. He fashioned the mischief maker after his own childhood memories.
8. Little Lulu – Marjorie Henderson Buell
Marjorie Henderson Buell based the character of Little Lulu on her own childhood experiences.
9. Henry: Carl Anderson
Carl Anderson drew a sketch at age 67 for the students of a vocational school.
10. Archie Andrews – Mickey Rooney
This iconic character was inspired by a boy who had a freckled face.
11. Betty Boop – Helen Kane
Helen Kane was the inspiration for Betty Boop. She was a singer and the character appeared to be like her. In fact, Helen sued the creator after the cartoon was released.
