39 Facts About Cinderella (Disney)

Cinderella's Origins

Cinderella is one of Disney's most beloved characters. Her story has enchanted audiences for generations. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic princess.

1. Cinderella's tale dates back to ancient Greece, with the story of Rhodopis, a slave girl who marries the king of Egypt.
2. The most famous version of Cinderella was written by Charles Perrault in 1697, titled "Cendrillon."
3. The Brothers Grimm also wrote a version of Cinderella called "Aschenputtel," which is darker than Perrault's version.

Disney's Cinderella

Disney's adaptation of Cinderella brought the story to life in a way that has captivated audiences since its release in 1950.

4. Disney's "Cinderella" was the studio's 12th animated feature film.
5. The film was a financial success, saving Disney from bankruptcy.
6. Cinderella's character was voiced by Ilene Woods, who was chosen from over 300 auditionees.
7. The movie's famous ball gown transformation scene was Walt Disney's favorite piece of animation.

Cinderella's Design and Animation

The design and animation of Cinderella were groundbreaking for their time, setting new standards in the industry.

8. Cinderella's character design was based on actress Helene Stanley.
9. The animation team used live-action reference footage to ensure realistic movement.
10. Cinderella's ball gown was designed to look like it was made of magical, shimmering fabric.
11. The glass slipper was inspired by a real-life glass shoe created by designer Salvatore Ferragamo.

Cinderella's Impact on Pop Culture

Cinderella's influence extends far beyond the original film, impacting various aspects of pop culture.

12. The phrase "Cinderella story" is often used to describe an underdog's rise to success.
13. Cinderella's castle is the iconic centerpiece of Disney theme parks worldwide.
14. The character has appeared in numerous TV shows, movies, and books.
15. Cinderella's story has been adapted into multiple stage productions, including a popular Broadway musical.

Cinderella's Supporting Characters

The supporting characters in Cinderella add depth and charm to the story, making it even more memorable.

16. The Fairy Godmother was voiced by Verna Felton, who also voiced the Queen of Hearts in "Alice in Wonderland."
17. Cinderella's stepsisters, Anastasia and Drizella, were voiced by Lucille Bliss and Rhoda Williams, respectively.
18. The character of Prince Charming was voiced by William Phipps, with singing provided by Mike Douglas.
19. Cinderella's animal friends, including Jaq and Gus, were voiced by Jimmy MacDonald.

Cinderella's Legacy

Cinderella's legacy continues to grow, inspiring new generations of fans and creators.

20. The film was re-released in theaters multiple times, each time introducing Cinderella to new audiences.
21. Cinderella was inducted into the Disney Princess franchise in 2000.
22. The character has inspired countless merchandise, from dolls to clothing.
23. Cinderella's story has been retold in various live-action adaptations, including Disney's 2015 film starring Lily James.

Fun Facts About Cinderella

Here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Cinderella that might surprise you.

24. Cinderella's original name in the Perrault version was "Cendrillon," which means "little ashes."
25. The Fairy Godmother's magic words, "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," were created specifically for the Disney film.
26. Cinderella's glass slipper is often depicted as being made of crystal in various adaptations.
27. The character's iconic blue dress was originally intended to be silver.
28. Cinderella's story has been adapted into over 1,500 different versions worldwide.
29. The pumpkin carriage is one of the most recognizable symbols from the story.
30. Cinderella's castle at Walt Disney World stands at 189 feet tall.
31. The character has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
32. Cinderella's story has been parodied in numerous TV shows and movies.
33. The film's soundtrack includes the classic song "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes."
34. Cinderella's stepmother, Lady Tremaine, was voiced by Eleanor Audley, who also voiced Maleficent in "Sleeping Beauty."
35. The character's transformation scene was animated by Marc Davis, one of Disney's "Nine Old Men."
36. Cinderella's story has inspired various ballet productions.
37. The character has appeared in several Disney video games, including "Kingdom Hearts."
38. Cinderella's story has been referenced in numerous songs, including "Cinderella" by Steven Curtis Chapman.
39. The character's perseverance and kindness continue to inspire audiences around the world.

Cinderella's Timeless Magic

Cinderella's story has enchanted audiences for generations. From her humble beginnings to her magical transformation, her tale is a testament to hope, kindness, and perseverance. Disney's adaptation brought this classic fairy tale to life, adding unforgettable characters like the Fairy Godmother and the mischievous mice. The film's success paved the way for countless adaptations and merchandise, making Cinderella a cultural icon.

Her story isn't just about a girl who finds her prince; it's about believing in yourself and never giving up, no matter how tough life gets. Whether it's the glass slipper, the pumpkin carriage, or the iconic ball gown, Cinderella's magic continues to inspire and captivate. Her journey reminds us that dreams can come true with a little bit of magic and a lot of heart.