Paige O’Hara's Pets

Paige O’Hara is an accomplished American actress and singer best known for her role as the voice of Belle in Disney’s animated classic “Beauty and the Beast.” Over the course of her vibrant career, she has left an indelible mark on Broadway and in the world of animation, using her versatile talents to breathe life into beloved characters and musical performances.

O’Hara’s artistic journey is intricately woven with the tapestry of many films, television series, and albums. Her breakthrough performance came in 1991 when she was cast as the voice of Belle in “Beauty and the Beast,” a role she reprised in several sequels, spin-offs, and television specials. This role was an opportunity for O’Hara to combine her Broadway-honed vocal prowess with her acting skills, resulting in a character that is as beloved today as it was at the film’s debut. Additionally, O’Hara lent her voice to the character of Angela in the television series “Aladdin” and made notable appearances in other animated productions like “Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe in Santa.”

Throughout her career, O’Hara has had the privilege of collaborating with many talented and influential individuals. The creation of “Beauty and the Beast” saw her work closely with producer Don Hahn and directors Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise. She starred alongside Robby Benson, who voiced the Beast, and Richard White, the voice behind Gaston. O’Hara also collaborated with the renowned composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman, who were responsible for the movie’s unforgettable score. During her time on Broadway, she shared the stage with many luminaries, including Terrence Mann in “Les Misérables,” and Howard McGillin in “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.”

O’Hara’s portrayal of Belle earned her a Disney Legend Award in 2011, an honor given to individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to The Walt Disney Company. She was also nominated for the prestigious Annie Award for Voice Acting in a Feature Production for the same role. Furthermore, her Broadway career garnered her critical acclaim, such as a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Best Actress for her performance in “Show Boat.”