Ursula — Based on Drag Queen Divine
Among Disney’s villains, Ursula from “The Little Mermaid” stands out as one of the most iconic and treacherous. Many may not realize that the animation team drew inspiration from various famous personalities, including the glamorous Joan Collins and the flamboyant drag queen Divine. Given the markedly different physical frames and personas of Collins and Divine, these two sources of inspiration represented a fascinating duality in character design.
In the end, the inspired sketches of Divine resonated most with then-Disney playwright and lyricist Howard Ashman. The decision to lean into Divine’s distinctive appearance and larger-than-life presence was pivotal in shaping Ursula’s memorable character. This choice contributed to Ursula’s status as a timeless Disney villain. It showcased the studio’s willingness to embrace unconventional sources of inspiration, creating a character that has left an indelible mark on Disney’s rich history.
