What power do princesses have? See what the actors have to say.
On Saturday July 15, 2017, the D23 Expo presented “The Power of Princesses.” Animators Kira Lehtomaki and Amy Smeed joined the actors who gave voice to several Disney princesses to discuss the impacts princesses have had on themselves and what they have heard from fans.
“If you need a flea or a tick, I know what that bite sounds like,” says Anike Noni Rose, voice of Tiana in The Princess and the Frog. She grew up in a place where no one understood what she wanted to do. Her parents were supportive, but they didn’t necessarily understand.
“You can be almost there and be sad about it,” says Rose, or you can find the joy in the journey of your dream.
Tiana was the first brown-skinned princess. Children could see themselves as regal and so could their friends according to Rose.
“It’s all right to work and search for your dreams,” says Rose. “The goal is not for someone else to complete your journey.” It’s okay to have a partner, too.
Jodi Benson, voice of Arielle in The Little Mermaid, expected her first job to be at a Starbucks or Jamba Juice. When she did the role, she kept hitting the mic with her hands. Howard Ashman would stand beside her and say, “don’t hit the mic.” Arielle’s journey is about finding fulfillment in life. “You have to go outside the box.”
“Kid’s make a connection, and it’s not just a cartoon,” says Benson. “It’s not just a movie; these characters make an indelible mark.”
Paige O’Hara, voice of Belle in Beauty and the Beast, auditioned 7 times for the role. In 1985, voice acting was for people whose career was ending. Belle gave up her life for her father, which is a profound sacrifice.
“You don’t need a love interest to figure out who you are,” says Auli’I Cravalho, voice of Moana.
Animator Mark Henn joined the princesses on stage and showed some never before seen pencil tests.
“If you need a flea or a tick, I know what that bite sounds like,” says Anike Noni Rose, voice of Tiana in The Princess and the Frog. She grew up in a place where no one understood what she wanted to do. Her parents were supportive, but they didn’t necessarily understand.
“You can be almost there and be sad about it,” says Rose, or you can find the joy in the journey of your dream.
Tiana was the first brown-skinned princess. Children could see themselves as regal and so could their friends according to Rose.
“It’s all right to work and search for your dreams,” says Rose. “The goal is not for someone else to complete your journey.” It’s okay to have a partner, too.
Jodi Benson, voice of Arielle in The Little Mermaid, expected her first job to be at a Starbucks or Jamba Juice. When she did the role, she kept hitting the mic with her hands. Howard Ashman would stand beside her and say, “don’t hit the mic.” Arielle’s journey is about finding fulfillment in life. “You have to go outside the box.”
“Kid’s make a connection, and it’s not just a cartoon,” says Benson. “It’s not just a movie; these characters make an indelible mark.”
Paige O’Hara, voice of Belle in Beauty and the Beast, auditioned 7 times for the role. In 1985, voice acting was for people whose career was ending. Belle gave up her life for her father, which is a profound sacrifice.
“You don’t need a love interest to figure out who you are,” says Auli’I Cravalho, voice of Moana.
Animator Mark Henn joined the princesses on stage and showed some never before seen pencil tests.