Q Did you have any idea Beauty And The Beast was going to be such an iconic movie? If so, what was it about the fi lm that made you feel that way?

A I felt very strongly that the fi lm was going to be a wonderful fi lm – but honestly I couldn’thave predicted it would have the impact that it did. So many fi rsts for this fi lm – includingbeing nominated for Best Picture – who could have predicted that?! But the amazingcreative talents of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman’s music and lyrics along with LindaWoolverton’s beautiful script really set the bar – and then all of the other members of thebrilliant team really made everything come together in the most amazing way – it seemed like everyone had the same vision for the fi lm and worked like crazy to makeit happen. And guess what – it did!

Celebrating the 30th Anniversaryof Beauty And The Beast!With Disney Legend Paige O’Hara,the voice actress for Belle.

AQ &

© 2021 Disney

Paige shares her thoughts on being part of one of the mostacclaimed animated features of all time, providing the voice for the

beloved Disney Princess Belle, and much more!

Q What’s your favorite memory from making the movie?

A I have so many – that’s like asking which is your favorite child! But a couple memories that really stand out – recording the score with the symphony in NYC – that was just anAMAZING experience! And having Howard by my side working with me – something Iwill cherish always! And the time we screened the work-in-progress at Lincoln Center –that was the day we all realized what a special movie this was going to be – the response from the critics was unbelievable!

Q How are you like/not like Belle?

A I’m really a lot like Belle! I love books – I’m an oddball – I’m an old soul – I’m strong andindependent – and I tend to love unconditionally. It’s funny – all through the process ofworking on the fi lm – everyone kept saying “we want Paige” – “just be yourself” – sounds so simple but boy was it hard – stripping everything away and just letting go. But they were right – I’m glad I listened to them! I’m not like Belle in that I have more insecurities than her – probably more vain than her – and oh yes – she NEVER GETSOLDER! I really hate that. LOL!

Q Are there any special challenges or advantages to doing voices for animated productions? If so what are they?

A I think the biggest challenge is the degree to which you have to use your imagination. You are recording in an empty room and have to use your imagination to create the world and situation your character is in – and then make that reality. I imagine it is similar to actors shooting in front of a green screen with everything being added post. And the microphone picks up EVERYTHING! The mic to voice-over acting is the camera to live-action acting – I’m blessed that the

mic really loves my voice and I’m able toconvey a lot of emotion when I record.

© 2021 Disney

Q What is something that viewers can watch for, like your favorite scene/moment inthe movie…or improvised lines? What would you recommend the viewer watch for?

A We were given the freedom to ad lib while recording – David Ogden Stiers (voice of Cogsworth) was the KING of that! (“Flowers, chocolates, promises you don’t intend tokeep.”) Robby Benson (voice of Beast) and I played a lot – my favorite was just after Beast transformed I ad libbed “do you think you could grow a beard”! Everyone in theroom howled – but it didn’t make it to the fi nal cut. But when I saw the live-action withEmma Watson – there it was! The animators are soooo brilliant – many of the takes andfacial reactions of Belle are EXACTLY ME! My sisters were cracking up when they saw themovie – so anyone who knows me sees that. And my favorite scenes are the “SomethingSweet” scene and the Ballroom – still gives me goose bumps!

Q You are quite the artist and have a fi ne art career, painting Disney characters. How/when did you start painting and drawing?

A I have always painted. My father was an architect and I used to borrow his art books andtry to copy the pieces I liked – John Singer Sargent, Turner – my acting teacher when Iwas a child said I was a better painter than actress (I guess I showed her! LOL) - so when I went to NYC I actually used to sell some pieces on the street – struggling to pay my rent! And as my acting career took off , the brushes went away for a while. And after Beauty And The Beast I started painting again – met Michael Young at Disney Fine Art – and have been painting some pieces for them since then. I fi nd great comfort when Ipaint – I can sit for hours and the time just fl ies – and as I am performing less it is my artistic outlet – I am so thankful and blessed that I can do it!

NEW Limited-EditionClub Exclusive Release

Features charming cover art byDisney Legend Paige O’Hara

(voice of Belle).

Limited quantities available.

Visit paigeohara.net to see moreof Paige’s artwork.

© 2021 Disney