Kerry's family said she died in Wilmington, North Carolina, after lung cancer. Her three children were with her.
Kerry performed Tinker Bell's movements for Disney animators working on Peter Pan. The work put a real performer behind one of Disney's most recognizable characters, even though Tinker Bell had no spoken dialogue in the film.
Margaret Kerry and Tinker Bell
Kerry worked with animator Marc Davis and acted out scenes for cameras so artists could study Tinker Bell's gestures, timing, and expressions. Her Disney connection stayed with her for the rest of her public life through conventions, interviews, and fan events.
Her screen credits also included The Little Rascals, The Andy Griffith Show, Clutch Cargo, and Space Angel. Her official shop and fan site will continue, according to the current note on Tinker Bell's Gift Shop.
Open the family statement on Margaret Kerry's Facebook page.
Sources: Walt Disney Archives on Instagram, Margaret Kerry's official Facebook page, People, and Tinker Bell's Gift Shop.
Image credit: CrowdLevels graphic. The Walt Disney Archives Instagram post is embedded above for official tribute imagery.