Cartoons really do take us back to more nostalgic times... those Saturday mornings, waking up stress-fress, no school, just rushing to get breakfast while sitting in front of the TV, watching our favorite animated series, laughing with our dearest cartoon characters. Watching them back, years later, did you ever wonder who all your favorite cartoon characters were based on, if anyone? What (or whom) was the inspiration behind some of the most iconic characters that were part of your childhood, and will always be part of your life?

Reminiscing on those times, I've gathered some of the crowd favorite cartoon characters that we're all dying to know who inspired the artists in creating them. Beautiful, funny, nostalgic, here are the 20 cartoon characters that were based on real people, mostly in appearance, but also in personality. Let's take a journey back in time together?

20 Popeye (Frank "Rocky" Fiegel)

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via navicrow.com & geni.com

Who didn't love watching the spinach-munching-fist-fighting-sailor that is the iconic Popeye? This fictional character has been loved by many since he first appeared to the public in 1929, and many still reminisce on his adventures alongside Olive Oil. Few are those that know, however, that Popeye was actually inspired by a Chester, Illinois (the creator's hometown) local, Frank “Rocky” Fiegel, a small and wiry but tough guy who smoked a pipe, was toothless, and participated in many fights.

19 Mr. Magoo (W. C. Fields)

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via imdb.com & filmow.com

Mr. Magoo is simply a childhood classic, isn't he? A short, wealthy retiree that gets in all sorts of trouble due to his shortsightedness and stubborn nature. When looking at W. C. Fields, one of the inspirations behind Mr. Magoo's appearance (along with the artist's uncle, Harry Woodruff), it's impossible to deny the similarities!

18 Betty Boop (Helen Kane)

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via fanpop.com & aminoapps.com

Betty Boop first began as an anthropomorphic French poodle, but as she became the star of her own cartoons, she was then transformed into a full human. The inspiration for this character? Helen Kane, an American singer who gained fame by imitating the style of black singer Baby Esther Jones. The similarities were so many that Helen sued Max Fleischer & Paramount for exploiting her image, but ultimately lost the lawsuit.

17 Rainier Wolfcastle (Arnold Schwarzenegger)

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via lwlies.com

Rainier presents himself in The Simpsons as an Australian, muscular, actor to represent the action movie star trope. And what better person to inspire him than Arnold Schwarzenegger? It's impossible to deny that between all the action scenes, the muscular body, the hair cut, mannerisms, and even the iconic gun-holding posture, Rainier Wolfcastle isn't a parody of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

16 Edna Mode (Edith Head)

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via Disney Wiki Fandom & Los Angeles Times

One of everyone's favorite characters in the Disney movie The Incredibles, Edna Mode is an eccentric fashion designer that creates costumes for superheroes. The resemblance to Edith Head is uncanny, from the same glasses, face structure, bob haircut and even to the lips and eyes. Of course, the fact Edith Head is a designer as well helped inspire this incredible character.

15 Chuckie Finster (Mark Mothersbaugh)

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via Rugrats Wiki Fandom & youtube.com

Mark Mothersbaugh, creator of the memorable soundtrack behind Rugrats, is also the inspiration behind the character Chuckie Finster, from the crazy hair to the glasses. Despite not being a redhead like the character, I can see a lot of similarities between the two. It's nice to see such an important part of the show immortalized in a character.

14 Mr. Burns (Barry Diller)

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via pri.org & vanityfair.com

Mr. Burns is one of the most well-known characters in The Simpsons, especially due to his greedy personality that makes him so unique in the show. Mr. Burns gained his inspiration from Fox founder Barry Diller, not because of his personality being similar, but due to his appearance, as both show the same signs of age, prominent nose, and hairline. It's always memorable when artists immortalize their boss in a character embodying corporate greed.

13 Ursula (Divine)

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via laopinion.com & yorokobu.es

The Little Mermaid's tentacle villain, Ursula, was inspired by the drag persona Divine of actor Harris Glenn Milstead, having appeared in movies such as the iconic Hairspray, Female Trouble, and Polyester. The fabulous and confident personality, the makeup, the hair and even the mannerisms have immortalized the actor and his drag persona, and it's been a huge mark for the LGBTQ+ community.

12 Milhouse Van Houten (Josh Saviano)

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via fourfingerdiscount.com & businessinsider.com

Milhouse Van Houten was inspired greatly by Paul Pfeiffer, a character in the series The Wonder Years played by Josh Saviano, from mannerisms and personality to the appearance. Both characters are best friends' of the main one, have the same hairstyle, both wear glasses and have distinguishing noses, as well as the "nerdy" look that serves the character surprisingly well.

11 Archie Andrews (Mickey Rooney)

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via costumewall.com & rogerebert.com

The influence of the Riverdale series is undeniable nowadays, much due to the new show that sparked an interest in the original comic books. But few know the inspiration behind the beloved main character, Archie. It was none other than Mickey Rooney, an American actor behind movies such as A Midsummer Nights Dream and Breakfast At Tiffany's. One of his roles, Andy Hardy, where he played a lovesick teenager, inspired the character.

10 Tinker Bell (Margaret Kerry)

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via fanpop.com & insidethemagic.net

Margaret Kerry was a playful model and actress that came to inspire the sweet Tinker Bell in Disney's animated movie Peter Pan. She was behind all the character's movements, aiding the animators in turning Tinker Bell into an authentic character for the movie that children would grow to adore and admire.

9 Pocahontas (Irene Bedard)

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via theguardian.com & tumblr.com

Best known for her portrayal of Native American female characters in movies, Irene Bedard was also the inspiration behind the free spirit Pocahontas, having voiced the character as well. She gave Pocahontas a powerful and emotional presence that almost felt like an animated version of herself. She was immortalized in a character that many girls would grow to look up to during their childhood.

8 Shrek (Maurice Tillet)

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via facebook.com & emneon.com.br

Maurice Tillet, a Russian-born French professional wrestler, is said to be the inspiration behind Shrek. His huge body features easily resemble the ogre in the pop culture icon that is the movie Shrek, as well as his big ears, eyes, nose and even his body hair and mouth. Maurice's big hands could easily compare to an average man's face, something that was, of course, also included in the character that is Shrek.

7 Tintin (Palle Huld)

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via expressodooriente.com & cphpost.dk

Palle Huld was 15 years old when he traveled around the world, having pursued a career as a Danish film actor and writer. With a suit, overcoat and a beret, it's impossible not to spot the similarities to the adored character, Tintin. It is said that his journey inspired the creator of Tintin to make the masterpiece that is The Adventures Of Tintin.

6 Yosemite Sam (Red Skelton)

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via azpm.org

Red Skelton was a popular comedian who you may remember from old movies, such as Du Barry Was A Lady or Whistling In The Dark. One of the characters he played in a western movie was Sheriff Deadeye who greatly inspired Yosemite Sam, from the mustache to the eyebrows, the clothes, and the comedic mannerisms. It's hard not to notice the similarities!

5 Captain Hook (Hans Conried)

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via statamic.com & oldradio.org

Captain James Hook's appearance, from Disney movie Peter Pan, was inspired by none other than American actor, voice actor, and comedian Hans Conried. At first, Hans was simply meant to voice the character, but the animators thought he was so vibrant and authentic, they were inspired to use his appearance for the character as well.

4 Peter Pan (Bobby Driscroll)

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via Disney WIki Fandom & scribd.com

Disney animators used Driscoll's mannerisms and appearance as reference points for the cartoon character he voiced, Peter Pan, from his small and skinny frame to his face features and even his haircut.  He often performed for them on an empty sound stage while they were making the film, so the character could be as authentic and lovable as the actor himself.

3 Snow White (Marge Champion)

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via variety.com & d23.com

A well-known actress from the 60s, Marge Champion inspired the sweet and beautiful Snow White back in the 30s. She was initially hired as a dancer for Walt Disney but her movements, appearance, and mannerisms were so graceful that it inspired the animation of the character itself, as Disney animators copied her movements to enhance the realism of the adorable princess.

2 Belle (Sherri Stoner)

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via disneyheroines.fandom.com & alchetron.com

Another character that was inspired by real people was one of everyone's favorites: Belle, from Beauty And The Beast. In this case, Sherri Stoner, Disney animator, was the one that inspired Belle's appearance (with the same long brown hair, kind eyes, and beauty) as well as mannerisms. She now lives forever in the spirit of Belle's character.

1 Ariel (Alyssa Milano)

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via country104.com & pinterest.com

Due to the hype around The Little Mermaid live action right now, based on Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" story, it's time to reminisce on the first inspiration behind Ariel's character, the actress Alyssa Milano, who was 16 at the time. Milano perfectly fit the "sweet" and "youthful" look the creators were looking for. She was also asked to host 'The Making of "The Little Mermaid," where they revealed to her that she was the inspiration.

Sources: Guff, Looper, The Poople, Her Moments, Bored Panda