The Divine Miss Poodle: 5 Reasons Georgette From Oliver & Company Remains Disney's Most Underrated Diva

Few Disney characters from the late 1980s possess the enduring, over-the-top star power of Georgette, the prize-winning, fashion-obsessed Poodle from the 1988 animated classic, Oliver & Company. As of December 2025, over three decades after the film’s debut, she continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike as a brilliant blend of comedic vanity and surprising vulnerability, largely thanks to the iconic voice talent behind her.

Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York City, Georgette is the perfect satire of high-society pet culture, a pampered pedigree dog whose luxurious life is instantly upended by the arrival of the stray kitten, Oliver. Her dramatic flair and unforgettable musical number cement her status as one of the most memorable non-human divas in the entire Disney canon, offering a crucial bridge from the studio’s "Dark Age" to the forthcoming Disney Renaissance era.

The Divine Miss M: A Biography of Georgette's Voice, Bette Midler

Georgette’s entire persona is inseparable from her legendary voice actress, Bette Midler. Midler, often referred to as "The Divine Miss M," brought her signature comedic wit, dynamic energy, and theatrical camp to the role, transforming a supporting character into an undeniable scene-stealer.

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• Full Name: Bette Davis Midler
• Born: December 1, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
• Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Comedian, Film Producer
• Career Highlights: Midler began her professional career in the 1960s, gaining prominence in the early 1970s. She is one of the few artists to have won all four major American entertainment awards: an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award (EGOT).
• Notable Films: *The Rose* (1979), *Beaches* (1988), *Hocus Pocus* (1993), *The First Wives Club* (1996).
• Disney Connection: Georgette in *Oliver & Company* (1988) and Winifred "Winnie" Sanderson in the *Hocus Pocus* franchise.

Midler’s involvement was a major coup for the film, lending immediate credibility and a distinctly adult, Broadway-esque sensibility to the character. Her performance is a masterclass in comedic timing, embodying the character’s self-obsession with a theatrical flourish that makes her impossible to dislike.

"Perfect Isn't Easy": The Song That Defined a Diva

The centerpiece of Georgette’s character arc is her spectacular solo number, "Perfect Isn't Easy." This song is not merely a musical interlude; it is a full-blown declaration of her narcissistic philosophy and a comedic highlight of the entire film.

The Star-Studded Songwriting Team

What makes the song so exceptional is the caliber of the talent behind it. The track was co-written by a powerhouse trio of songwriters:

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• Composer: Barry Manilow (a frequent collaborator with Bette Midler)
• Lyricist: Jack Feldman
• Songwriter: Bruce Sussman

This pedigree of songwriting ensured the tune had a sophisticated, cabaret-style quality, perfectly suited for Midler's vocal range and Georgette’s dramatic personality. The lyrics, which detail the exhausting, self-imposed standards of beauty and perfection, are a witty and biting commentary on vanity. Lines like "Perfect isn't easy, but it's meeee" have become an iconic, quotable moment for fans.

The song serves as a brilliant character introduction, immediately establishing Georgette as the antithesis of the stray kitten Oliver. Her world of manicures, hair appointments, and beauty pageants stands in stark contrast to the gritty, street-smart reality of Dodger, Tito, and the rest of Fagin’s gang.

The Enduring Legacy of Georgette's Design and Animation

Beyond the voice and the song, Georgette’s lasting appeal is deeply rooted in her visual design and the quality of her animation. For many fans, she boasts some of the best character animation in a Disney film of that era.

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The animators captured the exaggerated, high-strung nature of a pampered show dog. Her movements are fluid, dramatic, and expressive, often incorporating human-like gestures that emphasize her diva status. The use of production cels highlights the meticulous, hand-painted detail that went into her appearance, from her perfectly coiffed fur to her array of stylish collars and accessories.

Georgette’s Fashion and Societal Commentary

Georgette’s design is a clear reflection of the film’s setting and her social standing. She is a pedigree poodle, a living symbol of the Foxworth family's wealth. Her constant need to maintain her flawless appearance—a need that borders on neurosis—is a comedic device, but it also provides a subtle commentary on the superficiality of the upper-class world that Jenny Foxworth inhabits.

The conflict between Georgette and Oliver is a core thematic element. Oliver's unwitting intrusion—such as eating out of her personalized bowl—is seen as a threat to the "purity" and order of her luxurious existence. Georgette's journey from antagonist to reluctant ally, culminating in her chaotic but effective assistance during the rescue of Jenny, is a classic Disney transformation.

Georgette's Place in the Disney Pantheon

While *Oliver & Company* often gets overshadowed by the blockbusters that followed (like *The Little Mermaid* and *Beauty and the Beast*), Georgette remains a cult favorite and a crucial figure in the studio's history. She represents the ambitious, pop-culture-infused direction Disney was attempting as it entered its second golden age.

Her character is a testament to the power of a strong voice performance and exceptional animation. She is an entity that transcends the plot of the *Oliver Twist* adaptation, standing on her own as a fully realized, hilarious, and ultimately endearing diva. Her enduring popularity is evident in the continued demand for merchandise, from fan-made shirts to vintage trading pins, demonstrating that the glamorous poodle still holds a special place in the hearts of Disney enthusiasts.