Paige O'Hara

Last updated
Paige O'Hara
Paige O'Hara (49132792143).jpg
O'Hara in 2019
Born
Paige O'Hara

Occupations
  • Actress
  • singer
  • painter
Years active1975–present
Spouses
Lew Resseguie
(m. 1980,divorced)
Michael Piontek
(m. 1990)
Awards Disney Legend (2011)
Website www.paigeohara.net OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg

Paige O'Hara is an American actress, singer, and painter. O'Hara began her career as a Broadway actress in 1975 when she portrayed Della in The Gift of the Magi . In 1991, she made her motion picture debut in Disney's Beauty and the Beast , in which she voiced the film's heroine, Belle. Following the critical and commercial success of Beauty and the Beast, O'Hara reprised her role as Belle in the film's two direct-to-video follow-ups, Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997) and Belle's Magical World (1998), and for cameo appearances in Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018) and Once Upon a Studio (2023).

Contents

Early life

O'Hara began acting at the age of four, attending acting classes in her home state of Florida. [1] It was not until she was 12 years old that she developed an interest in singing and enrolled in a performing arts high school. [1] O'Hara cites American actress and singer Judy Garland as one of her idols. [2]

Career

Broadway and stage

O'Hara made her first appearance on the Broadway stage as Della in The Gift of the Magi in 1975. She was later play Ellie May Chipley in the revival of Showboat in 1983 starring Donald O'Connor. She repeated the role for the Houston Grand Opera's 1989 production and continued with them when the show was moved to the Cairo Opera House in Egypt. Continuing her legacy as Ellie, she also sang the part on the 1989 Grammy-nominated recording of the musical with Jerry Hadley, Frederica von Stade, and Teresa Stratas, conducted by John McGlinn on the Angel EMI label. Her other American stage credits include the title role in The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Broadway and national tour) and Ado Annie in a national tour of Oklahoma! directed by William Hammerstein. In 1995, she joined the Broadway production of Les Misérables , where she played the role of Fantine.

Internationally, O'Hara has played the role of Nellie Forbush in South Pacific (Australia).

In April 2011, O'Hara played the role of Judy Garland in From Gumm to Garland: JUDY, The Musical at the Tempe Center for the Arts in Tempe, Arizona.

Transition to film and Beauty and the Beast

A longtime fan of Walt Disney Pictures, [2] O'Hara auditioned for Beauty and the Beast at the age of 35 [3] after reading about the film in The New York Times . [1]

In Season 2 of The Legend of Prince Valiant (which starred her Beauty and the Beast co-star Robby Benson), O'Hara had a recurring role as Princess Aleta (who was later promoted to queen). Benson's character Prince Valiant fell in love with Aleta at first sight.

O'Hara also starred as Venus in the BBC's recorded broadcast of the live presentation of Kurt Weill's "One Touch of Venus" and in tribute to her Belle character from Beauty and the Beast, she portrayed Angela, a character in a fictional soap opera, for Disney's 2007 live-action/traditional 2-D animated film Enchanted .

For her work as Belle, O'Hara was honored with a Disney Legend Award on August 19, 2011. [4]

As of 2011, O'Hara was replaced by Julie Nathanson as the voice of Belle due to her voice changing significantly over the course of twenty years. [5] Despite this, she still paints Belle for Disney Fine Art and also continues to do promotional appearances for Disney. [5] [6] [7] In 2016, O'Hara appeared at numerous special screenings of Beauty and the Beast in honor of the film's 25th anniversary. [8] [9] O'Hara reprised her role as Belle in the 2018 film Ralph Breaks the Internet . [10] She appeared as a librarian in the TV special Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration . [11] In 2023, O'Hara returned as the voice Belle in the short Once Upon a Studio . [12]

Personal life

In May 1980, O'Hara married actor Lew Resseguie (May 3, 1932 - June 30, 2019). [13] [14] They met in 1979 while performing in Fiorello! at Paper Mill Playhouse. [15] [16] They later divorced.

O'Hara is married to actor, Michael Piontek. [17] [18] [19] They wed in 1990. [20]

O'Hara's religious background is Catholic. [17] [21]

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotes
1991 Beauty and the Beast Belle (voice)Nominated — Grammy Award for Album of the Year
1997 Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
1998 Belle's Magical World Nominated — Annie Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Feature Production
1999 Belle's Tales of Friendship
2001Legend of the Candy CaneJane Aubrey (voice)
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse Belle (voice)Direct-to-video
2004 Sing Along Songs: Disney Princess: Once Upon a Dream
2005Disney Princess Party: Volume Two
2007 Enchanted Angela
2016 Always BelleHerselfDocumentary
2018 Ralph Breaks the Internet Belle (voice)
2023 Once Upon a Studio Short film [12]

Television

YearTitleRoleNotes
1993 The Legend of Prince Valiant Princess Aleta / Queen Aleta (voices)9 episodes
1995 The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat Girls (voice)Episode: "Felix in Nightdrop Land/Shocking Story", uncredited
1996 Adventures from the Book of Virtues The Princess / June Washington (voice)Episode: "Honesty"
2002 Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe In Santa Nicole (voice)Television film
2022 Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration BooksellerTV special

Video games

YearTitleRoleNotes
2000 Disney's Beauty and the Beast Magical Ballroom Belle (voice)
2005 Kingdom Hearts II English version
2007 Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+
Disney Princess: Magical Jewels
Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey

Theatre

YearTitleRoleNotes
1975The Gift of the MagiDella [22]
1979 Fiorello! Marie [23]
1980 Naughty Marietta Lizette [24]
1980 Paint Your Wagon Jennifer Rumson [24]
1983 Showboat Ellie May Chipley
1984 The Unsinkable Molly Brown Molly Brown [25]
1985 Oh, Boy! Jacky [26]
1985 The Mystery of Edwin Drood Alice Nutting / Edwin Drood
1986 Oklahoma! Ado Annie
1988 Mack and Mabel performer [27]
1989Sitting Prettyperformer [28]
1990 Anything Goes Reno Sweeney [29]
1990 The Cat and the Fiddle Angie Sheridan [30]
1991 Evita Eva Perón [24]
1992Tiger Lady Winnie Ruth Judd [31]
1995 Les Misérables Fantine [32]
1995 South Pacific Nellie Forbush [33]
1996 Peter Pan Peter Pan [34] [35]
1996 Evita Eva Perón [36]
2002 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Narrator [37]
2014 Menopause The Musical performer [38]

Discography

Related Research Articles

<i>Beauty and the Beast</i> (1991 film) American animated musical fantasy romance film

Beauty and the Beast is a 1991 American animated musical romantic fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It is based on the 1756 fairy tale of the same name by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, while also containing ideas from the 1946 French film also of the same name directed by Jean Cocteau. The film was directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise and produced by Don Hahn, from a screenplay by Linda Woolverton.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Susan Egan</span> American actress, singer, and dancer (born 1970)

Susan Farrell Egan is an American actress, singer and dancer, known for her work on the Broadway stage. She is best known for originating the role of Belle in the Broadway musical adaptation of Beauty and the Beast (1994), for providing the voices of Megara in Hercules (1997) and Rose Quartz in Steven Universe, and for voicing the English dubs of Madame Gina in Porco Rosso and Lin in Spirited Away.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jodi Benson</span> American actress, voice actress and singer (born 1961)

Jodi Marie Benson is an American actress and singer. She is best known for providing the voice of Ariel in Disney's 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid and throughout other films, including its sequel, prequel, and television series spin-off, as well as many other Disney works going up to the present day of the 2020s. Benson also filled in for Paige O'Hara as the voice of Belle in House of Mouse and voiced the character Barbie in the second and third films of the Toy Story franchise (1999–2010), and in the Toy Story Toons short Hawaiian Vacation (2011). For her contributions to Disney, Benson was named a Disney Legend in 2011.

<i>Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas</i> 1997 film

Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas is a 1997 direct-to-video animated Christmas musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. It is the follow-up to Disney's 1991 animated feature film Beauty and the Beast. The film sold 7.6 million VHS tapes in 1997. This is the first of two sequels to Beauty and the Beast that were released, with the other being Belle's Magical World (1998).

<i>Beauty and the Beast</i> (musical) Stage musical, based on the 1991 animated Disney film of the same

Beauty and the Beast is a Disney stage musical with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, and a book by Linda Woolverton. Adapted from Walt Disney Pictures' Academy Award-winning 1991 animated feature musical film of the same name – which in turn had been based on the classic French fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont – Beauty and the Beast tells the story of an unkind prince who has been magically transformed into an unsightly creature as punishment for his selfish ways. To revert into his true human form, the Beast must learn to love a bright, beautiful young lady who he has imprisoned in his enchanted castle before it is too late.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richard White (actor)</span> American actor

Richard White is an American actor and opera singer best known for voicing the character of Gaston in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. He also voiced the character in the early 2000s animated TV series House of Mouse and the 2023 works Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest, Disney Speedstorm, Once Upon a Studio, and Disney Dreamlight Valley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Linda Larkin</span> American actress

Linda Larkin is an American actress, best known for her role as the speaking voice of Princess Jasmine in Disney's 1992 animated feature film Aladdin.

"Beauty and the Beast" is a song written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken for the Disney animated feature film Beauty and the Beast (1991). The film's theme song, the Broadway-inspired ballad was first recorded by British-American actress Angela Lansbury in her role as the voice of the character Mrs. Potts, and essentially describes the relationship between its two main characters Belle and the Beast, specifically how the couple has learned to accept their differences and in turn change each other for the better. Additionally, the song's lyrics imply that the feeling of love is as timeless and ageless as a "tale as old as time". Lansbury's rendition is heard during the famous ballroom sequence between Belle and the Beast, while a shortened chorale version plays in the closing scenes of the film, and the song's motif features frequently in other pieces of Menken's film score. Lansbury was initially hesitant to record "Beauty and the Beast" because she felt that it was not suitable for her aging singing voice, but ultimately completed the song in one take.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belle (Disney character)</span> Fictional character in Disneys 1991 animated film Beauty and the Beast

Belle is a fictional character in Walt Disney Pictures' animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991). Voiced by actress and singer Paige O'Hara, Belle, the book-loving daughter of an eccentric inventor, yearns to abandon her predictable village life in return for adventure. When her father Maurice is imprisoned by a cold-hearted beast in an enchanted castle, Belle offers her own freedom in exchange for her father's, and gradually learns to love the Beast despite his outward appearance.

"Be Our Guest" is a song written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken for Walt Disney Pictures' animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991). Recorded by American actor Jerry Orbach and English actress Angela Lansbury as Lumière and Mrs. Potts, respectively, "Be Our Guest" is a large-scale Broadway-inspired musical number that takes place during the first half of Beauty and the Beast, performed by the castle's staff of enchanted objects in an elaborate attempt to welcome Belle. Menken initially intended for the melody of "Be Our Guest" to be temporary but was ultimately unable to compose a satisfying one with which to replace it. The song had originally been intended for Belle's father Maurice. However, "Be Our Guest" had to be entirely re-written as the story evolved in order to return its focus to Belle.

<i>Belles Magical World</i> 1998 American animated film

Beauty and the Beast: Belle's Magical World is a 1998 direct-to-video animated musical film produced by Walt Disney Television Animation. It was released on February 17, 1998, and it is the sequel to Disney's 1991 animated feature film Beauty and the Beast and the third and final installment in the Beauty and the Beast trilogy, featuring the voices of David Ogden Stiers as Cogsworth, Robby Benson as The Beast, Gregory Grudt, who replaced Bradley Pierce as Chip Potts, Paige O'Hara as Belle, Anne Rogers, who replaced Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts, and Jerry Orbach as Lumiere. The film features two songs performed by Belle, "Listen With Our Hearts" and "A Little Thought." This storyline is set within the timeline of the original Beauty and the Beast.

"A Change in Me" is a song written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice for the musical Beauty and the Beast, a stage adaptation of Disney's 1991 animated film of the same name. The song was written specifically for American singer Toni Braxton when she joined the production to play the role of Belle in 1998, four years into the musical's run. Menken and Rice wrote "A Change in Me" to appease Braxton after Rice promised the singer, who was hesitant to sign her contract, that he would write an entirely new song for her to perform in the musical on the condition that she finally agree to play Belle.

Gaston (<i>Beauty and the Beast</i>) Beauty and the Beast character

Gaston is a fictional character in Walt Disney Pictures' animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991). Voiced by American actor and singer Richard White, Gaston is an arrogant and ruthless hunter whose unrequited feelings for the intellectual Belle drive him to murder his adversary, the Beast, once he realizes she cares for him instead. Gaston serves as a foil personality to the Beast, who was once as vain as Gaston prior to his transformation.

Mark Alan Henn is an American animator and film director. His work includes animated characters for Walt Disney Animation Studios films, most notably leading or titular characters and heroines. He served as the lead animator for Ariel in The Little Mermaid (1989), Belle in Beauty and the Beast (1991), Jasmine in Aladdin (1992), young Simba in The Lion King (1994), the title character in Mulan (1998), and Tiana in The Princess and the Frog (2009). He directed the short film John Henry (2000). Henn spent a total of 43 years at Walt Disney Animation Studios, from 1980 until his retirement in 2023.

<i>Belles Tales of Friendship</i> 1999 American film

Belle's Tales of Friendship is a 1999 American live action/animated fantasy film. It was produced by Walt Disney Television Animation as the prequel to Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas. It was also released to help promote the syndicated television series, Sing Me a Story with Belle, for which a live-action Belle tells stories from Disney cartoons such as The Wise Little Hen, The Three Little Pigs, Morris the Midget Moose and Babes in the Woods with Belle narrating. The film stars Lynsey McLeod who continues portraying Belle in live-action form.

"Belle" is a song written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken for Disney's animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991). Recorded by American actors Paige O'Hara and Richard White, "Belle" is a mid-tempo classical music-inspired song that borrows elements from Broadway and musical theatre. It was the first song Ashman and Menken wrote for Beauty and the Beast, which they feared Disney would reject due to its length and complexity, but the Beauty and the Beast filmmakers ultimately enjoyed the song.

<i>Beauty and the Beast</i> (franchise) Disney media franchise based on fairy tale by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont

Beauty and the Beast is a Disney media franchise comprising a film series and additional merchandise. The success of the original 1991 American animated feature, Beauty and the Beast, directed by Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise, led to three direct-to-video follow-up films, a live-action spin-off television series, a Disney World stage show, a Disney World restaurant, a trackless dark ride, several video games, merchandise, and the 10th longest-running musical in Broadway history, which was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning for Best Costume Design. In March 2017, Disney released a live-action remake of the film.

"Something There" is a song written by lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken for Walt Disney Pictures animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991). Sung by the majority of the film's main cast, the song was recorded by American actors Paige O'Hara as Belle and Robby Benson as the Beast via voice over, featuring actors Jerry Orbach, Angela Lansbury and David Ogden Stiers as Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Cogsworth, respectively. The only song performed by the Beast, "Something There" is heard midway through Beauty and the Beast during a scene in which Belle and the Beast finally begin to acknowledge their feelings for each other.

"If I Can't Love Her" is a song written by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Tim Rice for the musical Beauty and the Beast (1994), a stage adaptation of Disney's 1991 animated film of the same name. Sung by the Beast after he frightens Belle away from the castle, "If I Can't Love Her" details the characters' struggles to love her. The song was first performed by American actor Terrence Mann, who both originated the role of the Beast on Broadway and recorded it for the show's original cast album.

<i>Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration</i> 2022 American TV series or program

Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration is a musical television special created for ABC, based on Disney's 1991 animated feature film Beauty and the Beast. It was produced by Jon M. Chu and directed by Hamish Hamilton. It serves as a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the animated film’s historic Oscar nomination for Best Picture. It aired on ABC on December 15, 2022, before streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration received generally positive reviews from critics.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Interview With Paige O'Hara, The Voice Of Belle In "Beauty and the Beast"". Disney Dreaming. Unrivaled Media Group, LLC. October 5, 2010. Archived from the original on 12 March 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
  2. 1 2 Benedictus, Leo (April 30, 2012). "How we made: Don Hahn and Paige O'Hara on Beauty and the Beast". The Guardian. Guardian News and Media Limited. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
  3. Huver, Scott (May 30, 2012). ""Beauty and the Beast 3D" Gives Original Star Paige O'Hara a Whole New Perspective". NBC New York. NBCUniversal, Inc. Retrieved November 16, 2012.
  4. BWW News Desk. "Photo Flash: Lea Salonga, Anika Noni Rose, Paige O'Hara et al. Honored at D23 Expo". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  5. 1 2 "Belle still tolls for actress O'Hara". 17 July 2023.
  6. Brigante, Ricky (July 30, 2013). "Full 2013 D23 Expo schedule revealed with Walt Disney Studios celebs, Imagineering & Parks panels, Marvel meet-and-greets". Inside the Magic. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  7. "New Fantasyland Grand Opening Celebration at Walt Disney World Resort". Disney Parks Blog. July 30, 2013. Retrieved 31 July 2013.
  8. Mallenbaum, Carly (May 10, 2016). "8 things you never knew about 'Beauty and the Beast'". USA Today. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
  9. McGovern, Joe (August 16, 2016). "Beauty and the Beast getting special 25th anniversary screening ahead of New York Film Festival". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 19 September 2016.
  10. Holmes, Adam (July 14, 2017). "Wreck-It Ralph 2 Is Bringing The Original Disney Princesses Back". CinemaBlend. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved July 15, 2017.
  11. Johnson, Zach (December 12, 2022). "First Look: See Paige O'Hara, Richard White, and Alan Menken's Cameos in Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration". D23. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  12. 1 2 @Attractions (September 10, 2023). "We just saw a new animated short at #DestinationD23 called Once Upon a Studio featuring tons of characters from past Disney Animated films. It was so good, the creators got a one minute standing ovation when it ended" (Tweet). Retrieved September 15, 2023 via Twitter.
  13. "The Pittsburgh Press 07 Aug 1980, page Page 45". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  14. "Lew Resseguie – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  15. "The Pittsburgh Press 07 Aug 1980, page Page 45". Newspapers.com. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  16. "Fiorello! (Paper Mill Playhouse Production, 1979) | Ovrtur". ovrtur.com. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  17. 1 2 "Paige O'Hara, voice of 'Belle,' recalls magic of 'Beauty and the Beast'". Catholic Philly. 2016. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  18. Review-Journal, Carol Cling Las Vegas (21 April 2013). "More than 20 years after 'Beauty and the Beast,' Paige O'Hara still remembered as voice of Disney princess - Las Vegas Review-Journal". reviewjournal.com. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  19. Review-Journal, Carol Cling Las Vegas (19 March 2016). "Voice of Disney's Belle didn't expect to fall in love with Las Vegas - Las Vegas Review-Journal". reviewjournal.com. Retrieved May 22, 2019.
  20. "Paige O'Hara – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved 2023-08-19.
  21. Paige O'Hara is feeling blessed. September 4, 2016 · Public My true heroine, Mother Teresa is now in sainthood. St Teresa who was an angel on earth, is now a saint in heaven. What a glorious celebration.
  22. Barnes, Clive (2 December 1975). "Stage: 'Gift of the Magi' Is in Season". New York Times. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  23. Catinella, Joseph (19 November 1979). "'Fiorello!' Shines at Paper Mill". New York Times. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  24. 1 2 3 "Artist Database: Paige O'Hara". Pittsburgh CLO. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  25. Klein, Alvin (20 May 1984). "THEATER IN REVIEW; FINE LEADING MAN IN 'MOLLY BROWN'". New York Times. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  26. Rockwell, John (26 January 1985). "STAGE: KERN'S 'OH, BOY!' CELEBRATES A CENTENNIAL". New York Times. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  27. Ruhlmann, William (1988). Mack & Mabel: in Concert (1988 London Cast Recording). First Night Records. Retrieved 7 March 2024.{{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  28. Holden, Stephen (17 April 1989). "Reviews/Music; A Jerome Kern Musical, With Bons Mots Included". New York Times. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  29. Klein, Alvin (8 April 1990). "THEATER; 'Anything Goes,' in Elmsford". New York Times. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  30. Holland, Bernard (20 April 1990). "Reviews/Music; The Glory of Wit and a Tune: A Reminder". New York Times. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  31. Everett, todd (6 July 1992). "Tiger Lady". Variety. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  32. Paige O'Hara Answers Members Questions Playbill, January 22, 1996
  33. "Goulet still working Magic". Akron Beacon Journal. 3 August 1995. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  34. 'Music Tells a Tale' a Genial Family Treat Los Angeles Times, July 1, 1996
  35. 10 Things We Learned from Paige O'Hara During WDFM's Happily Ever After Hours Laughing Place, May 16, 2020
  36. "Past Seasons". Cherry County Playhouse. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  37. "Joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat / lyrics by Tim Rice ; music by Andrew Lloyd Webber ; [presented by] the American Musical Theatre of San Jose ; director, Marc Jacobs". ArchiveGrid. OCLC, Inc. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  38. Burke, Anne (23 March 2014). "Menopause the Musical". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  39. "Jerry Herman – Mack & Mabel In Concert (1988, Gatefold, Vinyl)". Discogs. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  40. "Paige O'Hara - Loving You - Paige O'Hara Sings Jerry Herman". Discogs. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  41. "South Pacific". Jay Records. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  42. "Paige O'Hara – Dream With Me (1998, CD)". Discogs. Retrieved 7 March 2024.