From Villainess to Icon- The Iconic Actress Who Portrayed Cruella De Vil
What actress played Cruella De Vil? The iconic role of Cruella De Vil, the menacing and relentless antagonist from Disney’s 1959 classic “101 Dalmatians,” has been portrayed by several talented actresses over the years. Each actress brought her own unique touch to the character, ensuring that Cruella De Vil remains one of the most memorable villains in the annals of film history.
One of the most famous portrayals of Cruella De Vil came from actress Glenn Close. In the 1996 live-action adaptation of “101 Dalmatians,” Close delivered a chilling and mesmerizing performance that cemented her place as the quintessential Cruella. Her portrayal was so terrifying that it even won her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Before Glenn Close, Cruella De Vil was brought to life by actress Joan Plowright in the 1992 animated film “101 Dalmatians.” Plowright’s take on the character was more subdued and calculating, with a focus on Cruella’s cunning and cold-hearted nature. Her performance set the stage for the later live-action adaptations, including Close’s memorable turn.
While the animated version of “101 Dalmatians” featured a voiceover by actress EulaBeth Burns, it was actress Susanna Hoffs who provided the voice for Cruella in the 1996 animated sequel, “102 Dalmatians.” Hoffs brought a playful and mischievous quality to the character, which added a layer of complexity to her character that was absent in the original film.
Despite the various portrayals of Cruella De Vil, the character’s essence remains the same: a heartless and relentless predator who will stop at nothing to achieve her twisted desires. Whether portrayed by a live-action actress or a voice actor, the essence of Cruella De Vil is one that continues to captivate audiences and make her one of the most iconic villains in Disney history.
