Shrek
It’s a little-known fact that the ogre we all love to love borrowed his appearances from a 1940s wrestler named Maurice Tillet. Nicknamed “The French Angel,” Tillet gained fame for his look, as much as he did for this fighting abilities.
Decades later, animators used “The French Angel” as a model for their anti-social and highly-territorial green ogre.
Chuckie Finster
Okay, so maybe these two don't look exactly alike, but looking at Mark Mothersbaugh, there's a sense of familiarity. That's probably because the musician served as inspiration for everyone's favorite cartoon baby, Chuckie.
Not only did Mothersbaugh and his band Devo perform the theme song for "Rugrats," his clunky glasses and untamed hair served as the model for Chuckie.
Ursula
Ursula's appearance was greatly inspired by American actor and drag queen Divine. Harris Glenn Milstead, better known under his stage name, Divine, was best known for his frequent appearances in films directed by John Waters.
Ursula shares Divine's signature blue eye makeup, jewelry, and body type. She originally sported a mohawk, which was borrowed from Milstead's character in 1972's "Pink Flamingos."
Edna Mode
As it turns out, Edna Mode's character was a tribute to the Academy Award-winning costume designer, Edith Head. When you think about it, there's no other explanation for it. Mode, the superhero outfitter, has a lot in common with Head.
Not only do they share the same defining features, but they also work in the same industry - costume design. They are just designing costumes for completely different clients.
Aladdin
Interestingly enough, Disney animators initially based Aladdin's character design on actor Michael J. Fox. After he came off "too childish," they decided to go with a different approach.
For the perfect iconic hero type, the animators used Tom Cruise as the model for Prince Ali. We can't say that we see it, but we're willing to believe there is something there.