Leota "Lee" Toombs Thomas (born Leota Anne Wharton; August 9, 1925 – December 21, 1991) was an American artist and Imagineer at WED Enterprises, who worked on several original attractions at Disneyland Park.

Oct 14, 2022 · Leota Toombs Thomas is best known for lending her face to the iconic Madame Leota of Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. She began her Disney career in the Ink and Paint Department, eventually transferring over to become one of the first women of WED enterprises. Learn more about the life of Leota Toombs.

Leota Anne Wharton was an American Imagineer and artist, who was well-known for portraying the face of Madame Leota in The Haunted Mansion, for whom she is the namesake. She began her career at the Walt Disney Studios in 1940, when she was hired into the Ink and Paint department. She then...

The millions of guests that have explored the shadowy confines of the Haunted Mansion have seen Leota “Lee” Toombs Thomas—or at least the likeness of her face. She appears as Madame Leota, the disembodied head that speaks from inside a crystal ball at Disney’s creepiest and most ghoulishly fun attraction.

Oct 28, 2021 · When Disney fans hear the name Leota, they immediately associate it as “Madame Leota”, the character who resides inside a crystal ball nestled deep within the Haunted Mansion. This famous face is none other than Disney artist, Imagineer, and Legend Leota Toombs. An Artist’s Life

Dec 10, 2018 · The sinister face of Madame Leota is actually that of Disney Legend and Imagineer Leota (Toombs) Thomas. The image of her face reciting the infamous incantation was projected onto a featureless head model.

Jul 9, 2023 · After spending several years in Ink and Paint, Leota transferred to the Animation Department where she met lead animator Harvey Toombs (known for his work on films such as Dumbo, Lady and the Tramp, Peter Pan, and Sleeping Beauty). Leota married Toombs in 1947.

Feb 25, 2014 · Despite all of her incredible work for the Walt Disney Company, Leota Toombs Thomas is most widely recognized as the face of Madame Leota, her likeness forever enshrined in the seance room of the Haunted Mansion.

Aug 24, 2023 · Leota Toombs’s spooky likeness is a key element to the “Haunted Mansion” ride, which happened to open on her 44 birthday. You can also hear her voice when the “Little Leota” character arrives, who tells you to “hurry back” near the end of the ride.

Jul 12, 2023 · Leota Toombs died in December 1991, and was posthumously honored as a Disney Legend in 2009. Now hundreds of talents have been honored as a Disney Legend, or with a Window on...