Margaret Kerry, the model for Tinker Bell, has passed away at the age of 97. Kerry was an actress, dancer, voice artist, camera double, radio producer, director, host, and media personality. She was perhaps most known for being the inspiration and model for Tinker Bell in Disney’s animated classic, Peter Pan. Margaret Kerry was beloved by fans and made appearances at many fan events. She was also known for her personality, which always lit up the room she walked into. Daps Magic will have more about Margaret Kerry and her life from Doug Marsh, who knew her for a very long time.

Kerry was married three times, most recently to her long-lost and then-found beau Robert Boeke. She published her autobiography in 2016. It is called Tinker Bell Talks: Tales of a Pixie Dusted Life. This book features photos, stories, and anecdotes from her life and career.

The following announcement on her Facebook page shared the news:

Dear Friends of Margaret Kerry,

It is with profound sadness that we share news of the passing of Margaret Kerry (Boeke), our beloved Tinker Bell. Margaret passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on June 11, 2026, in Wilmington, North Carolina. Her three adoring children, Ellen, Christina and Eric, were with her as she lost her courageous battle with lung cancer at the age of ninety-seven.

Margaret’s beloved husband, Robert Boeke, also passed recently – on May 24th, 2026. Their love story was truly remarkable, having begun as sweethearts some seventy years ago – but separated by careers. Yet in 2019, the two reconnected to rekindle their love and enjoyed six wonderful years of marriage. It is like a fairy-tale to know that they passed so very close in time to one another—perhaps a testament to the love they shared.

Margaret was deeply grateful for the extraordinary life that she enjoyed and felt tremendously blessed by her loved ones and the countless friends and fans that she met along the way. Margaret wanted everyone to know that she was at peace and ready for this next journey in her life, secure in the knowledge that God was eager to bring her home, with Him, into heaven.

Margaret’s family asks that, in lieu of flowers, it would be so special for her friends and fans to make a donation in her name to Wilmington, North Carolina’s Thalian Association Community Theater at https://www.thalian.org/support-us/donate/.

And remember, on any given night, look up into the night sky and search for that “Second Star to the Right”. Upon closer look, you might just notice that star shining a little brighter in Margaret’s honor.

With love to an irreplaceable friend, talented entertainer and loving mother,

(Margaret asked us to post this photo below of her and Tinker Bell when she passed.)

Tinker Bell’s Gift Shop Staff: Linda Swisher and Sher Lancaster

Please join Daps Magic in sharing heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Margaret Kerry. She was loved, and she will be missed.