Over the years, a total of 17 actresses have lent their voices to iconic Disney princesses including Cinderella, Belle, Mulan, and many others. With the latest masterpiece “Moana”, Disney has introduced its primary female character to audiences, portrayed by Auli’i Cravalho, a 16-year-old girl of Polynesian descent from Hawaii.
As “Moana” continues to break box office records globally and is on track to become the second-highest grossing animated film of all time, just behind “Frozen,” let’s take a look back at the actresses who have previously voiced Disney princesses.
Snow White
Snow White is the first princess Disney introduced to audiences in the classic film “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” released in 1937.
Adriana Caselotti was the voice behind Snow White, having been hired by Walt Disney when she was just 18 years old. Following the film, she became an opera singer, working in various fields including real estate and writing books about singing.
Cinderella
The princess in “Cinderella,” released in 1950, has left an unforgettable mark on audiences with her enchanting story set in a grand royal palace.
Ilene Woods voiced Cinderella, becoming a legendary figure for Disney. She showcased her singing talent from a young age, even participating in a dedicated program at just 11 years old.
Aurora
The princess Aurora is one of the most passive characters in “Sleeping Beauty,” released in 1959, as she spends most of her time asleep due to a curse.
Mary Costa voiced Aurora under the wish to meet Walt Disney himself. Afterward, Costa built a successful singing career and actively engaged in charity work after retiring from the entertainment industry.
Ariel
Thirty years later, Ariel, the adventurous mermaid princess, captivated audiences in “The Little Mermaid,” released in 1989.
Jodi Benson made a lasting impression as Ariel, and Disney has consistently called her back to voice Ariel in various game, TV show, or additional film adaptations.
Belle
In “Beauty and the Beast,” released in 1991, Belle is portrayed as a strong, independent, intelligent woman who resonates with millions of viewers.
Paige O’Hara is a longtime “fan” of Disney and made a significant mark with her role as Belle. Starting her career as a Broadway actress, she auditioned for Belle along with 500 other candidates, successfully landing the role after five rounds of auditions.
Jasmine
Jasmine is a determined princess who loves freedom and is quite sexy in “Aladdin,” released in 1992.
For the first time in history, two actresses, Linda Larkin and Lea Salonga, voiced a Disney princess together. In this case, Larkin provided the speaking voice while Salonga, a Broadway singer, performed the singing parts.
Pocahontas
In 1995, “Pocahontas” was released, introducing a princess with modern thoughts, wishing for independence for her people.
Irene Bedard and Judy Kuhn provided the voices for Pocahontas on the big screen. Bedard voiced the main character while also serving as the visual reference for the indigenous princess, while Kuhn, a Broadway singer, performed the songs.
Mulan
Three years later, “Mulan” was released, introducing the first Disney princess of Asian descent.
Ming-Na Wen and Lea Salonga contributed to Mulan’s fierce personality in the film. Today, you can see Ming-Na Wen in various action films, including “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” while Lea Salonga was honored with the Disney Legend award in 2011, being the first Filipino to receive this honor.
Tiana
Tiana is a hardworking princess who dreams of opening her own restaurant in “The Princess and the Frog,” released in 2009.
Anika Noni Rose voiced Tiana, surpassing Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé for the role. Before lending her voice to the first African-American princess of Disney, she had won a Tony Award for her role in the Broadway musical “Caroline, Or Change” and played the role of a singing girl in “Dreamgirls.”
Rapunzel
Rapunzel is the princess with the longest hair in the Disney lineup and embarks on her adventurous journey in “Tangled,” released in 2010.
Singer/actress Mandy Moore had the honor of voicing Rapunzel, and she performed Joni Mitchell’s “Help Me” during her audition, which impressed the casting directors. Before starring in the Disney animated film, Mandy Moore was a popular teen actress known for films like “A Walk to Remember,” “The Princess Diaries,” and “Saved!”.
Merida
Merida is the rebellious princess who causes chaos in her kingdom in “Brave,” released in 2012.
Before embarking on her acting career, Kelly Macdonald was once a barmaid. Landing the lead role in “Brave” was a “dream come true” for Macdonald, and she successfully impressed casting directors with her local Scottish accent.
Anna
Anna helped save her kingdom from eternal winter in “Frozen,” released in 2013.
Actress Kristen Bell received special attention from Disney studios when she auditioned for “Tangled” a few years earlier. Despite being known for her acting roles, Kristen Bell has a strong background in music, having studied opera and music at college.
Elsa
Princess Elsa is considered the “big sister” among all Disney princesses.
Idina Menzel is the voice behind Elsa, delivering a remarkable performance and performing the iconic song “Let It Go.” Before taking on the role of Elsa, Idina Menzel was a famous Broadway actress, having won a Tony Award. Interestingly, she also auditioned for a role in “Tangled,” just like her co-star Kristen Bell.
Moana
In “Moana,” released in 2016, our heroine embarks on a dangerous adventure across the vast ocean to find the demigod Maui and save her people.
Sixteen-year-old Auli’i Cravalho had a chance to audition for the lead role at Disney. In fact, she only auditioned for a local talent show, but by chance, a Disney casting director noticed her and thought she was perfect for the role.
Source: Business Insider
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