The case I am thinking of -- the only plastic incarnations I know of -- the fan in question certainly went on to vidding, as I have seen some of her vids from the late 90s. If she was in vidding I tend to doubt she was in machinima, as my general understanding is that they don't cross over much. Also, I believe she was a professional back then, i.e. probably at least 40 today, if not 50. (I never met her.) Although I know old dogs can learn new tricks, I also know that media fandom subdivides itself so finely that people who want to stay Old Skool can do so.

Short version: it would not surprise me if they both come from the same impulse, but I can't establish any direct linkages between them. But now you've got me wondering whether a search of YouTube will turn up clips of people using their antique china dolls to act out episodes of Bones or something. (Which would be totally creepy! Especially if they're the kinds of dolls with eyes that open and shut!)