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.
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.
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.
Bugs Bunny
When creating Bugs Bunny, Warner Bros. animators needed a way to insert Bugs' character with more personality and charm. That's when Clark Gable appeared in "It Happened One Night."
The film sparked just what they needed; they gave Bugs some of Gable's attributes, including casually munching on a carrot! That's all, folks!
Harley Quinn
When Paul Dini thought of giving the Joker a female sidekick, he based her manic personality on his college friend, Arleen Sorkin. He took inspiration from her when writing the character, but he didn't stop there.
The DC writer asked the "Days of Our Lives" actress to voice Harley Quinn's part, giving her one of the most iconic roles of her career. Sorkin voiced Harley in feature films and video games, and after retiring, she was succeeded by Tara Strong.