The Inspiration Behind Maleficent
One of Disney's most memorable villains is Maleficent. While the "Mistress of All Evil" draws inspiration from various classic fairytale characters, her onscreen appearance differed significantly from previous interpretations of evil female characters. Since the 1959 release of the animated film Sleeping Beauty, rumors have circulated that an actress named Maila Nurmi heavily influenced the evil fairy. Nurmi was known for her tight-fitting gowns and her glamorous gothic persona, Vampira.
In 2014, Nurmi's diary entries confirmed that she was a model for the animated villain. This revelation adds an intriguing layer to the character's creation, highlighting how Disney drew inspiration from a real-life figure's distinctive style and persona to craft one of their most iconic villains.
