- “Hurry back! Hurry back! Be sure to bring your death certificate… if you decide to join us. Make final arrangements now! We’ve been dying to have you…”
- ―The Ghostess
The Ghostess also known as Little Leota is a character from the Haunted Mansion.
History[]
Background[]
"Little Leota" was presumably one of the residents of the Haunted Mansion, likely of some relation to the Romani clairvoyant Madame Leota. After her death, her spirit became known as the mansion's "Ghostess", an apparent female counterpart to the Ghost Host. The Ghostess' ghost would appear miniature in a white cloak with a bouquet of dead flowers, and was known to tell mortals in the manor's exit crypt to "Hurry Back" and make final arrangements to join the Haunted Mansion.
Development history[]
The Ghostess was a character created for the Haunted Mansion. According to Marc Davis, the character was inspired by a female funeral director from the 1965 dark comedy film, The Loved One. The funeral director in said film had the line "we hope that one day he may decide to join us", seemingly inspiring Little Leota's dialogue. She is identified officially as the "Ghostess" in the blueprints for the attraction, as well as in rare Ghost Host dialogue in which he also calls her lovely and says she will be awaiting guests towards the end of the tour.
The Ghostess' name and voice were provided by Imagineer Leota Toombs, who also provided the face for Madame Leota (though Madame Leota's voice was provided by Eleanor Audley). This lead to the character receiving the additional moniker "Little Leota", with many stories identifying her as being related to Madame Leota such as the non-cannon but influential "Ghost Gallery" storyline which identified her as the illegitimate daughter of Madame Leota and Master Gracey.
Appearances[]
Haunted Mansion[]
In the Disneyland version of the attraction, Little Leota appears alongside the exit ramp where she is a miniature ghost in the crypt. In the Magic Kingdom, she appears in one of the final scenes of the ride, overhead within said crypt. Rare Ghost Host dialogue foreshadows her appearance.
Trivia[]
- In Phantom Manor, she is replaced by Melanie Ravenswood. However, Melanie there was still played by Oona Lind who portrayed Madame Leota in that version of the attraction. In Haunted Mansion Holiday, she is replaced by Sally.
- It is assumed that Little Leota is a member of the Ghost Relations Department due to her role in recruiting new residents for the Haunted Mansion.
External links[]
- Little Leota on the Haunted Mansion Wiki.