The Voice Of Belle In Beauty And The Beast
Beauty and the Beast is one of the most beloved Disney animated films of all time. Released in 1991, it tells the story of Belle, a young woman who falls in love with a prince who has been cursed to live as a beast. One of the most unforgettable parts of the film is the voice of Belle, which was provided by actress Paige O'Hara. In this article, we will explore O'Hara's career and her experience voicing Belle.
Paige O'Hara's Career
Paige O'Hara was born Donna Paige Helmintoller on May 10, 1956, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She began her professional acting career in the late 1970s, appearing in small roles in television shows such as The Love Boat and Fantasy Island. In 1983, she made her Broadway debut in the musical Show Boat, which earned her a Tony Award nomination.
O'Hara continued to work on Broadway throughout the 1980s, appearing in productions such as Les Misérables and The Mystery of Edwin Drood. In 1991, she was approached by Disney to audition for the role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast.
Voicing Belle
When O'Hara auditioned for the role of Belle, she had no idea what she was getting into. At the time, Disney was still experimenting with the idea of having celebrities voice their animated characters, so O'Hara was not a household name. However, her powerful voice and ability to convey emotion through her singing won over the casting directors.
Voicing Belle was no easy feat. O'Hara had to record all of her lines and songs separately, and then they were edited together to create the final product. She also had to match her voice to the animation, which required a great deal of skill and precision.
Despite the challenges, O'Hara loved voicing Belle. She felt a strong connection to the character, who was intelligent, independent, and a lover of books. O'Hara also appreciated the opportunity to work with the talented team at Disney, including composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman.
The Legacy Of Beauty And The Beast
Beauty and the Beast was a massive success when it was released in 1991. It was the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and it won two Oscars for Best Original Song and Best Original Score. The film has since been adapted into a successful Broadway musical, as well as a live-action film starring Emma Watson.
One of the reasons why Beauty and the Beast has endured for so long is because of the voice of Belle. O'Hara's performance was integral to the film's success, and her portrayal of Belle continues to inspire young women around the world.
Conclusion
Paige O'Hara's voice will forever be associated with the character of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Her talent and dedication brought the character to life in a way that continues to resonate with audiences today. O'Hara's career has spanned decades and includes many other notable performances, but her work on Beauty and the Beast remains one of the highlights of her career.