Paige O'Hara

Paige O'Hara (May 10, 1956 – present) is an American actress, singer, and voice actress who became internationally famous as the voice of Belle in Disney's 'Beauty and the Beast' (1991). Born in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, O'Hara was initially established as a Broadway performer before transitioning to film and television work. Her casting as Belle proved to be a career-defining role; her rendition of 'Belle' and 'Tale as Old as Time' became iconic, and her voice acting helped define the character for millions of viewers worldwide. O'Hara has reprised the Belle role in numerous Disney sequels, TV series, and special releases, making her the definitive voice of the character across decades. Beyond voice acting, she has maintained her career in theater and has appeared in various television shows and films. Her work on 'Beauty and the Beast' during the Disney Renaissance of the 1990s made her part of a generation of voice actors who brought depth and artistry to animated characters, establishing voice acting as a respected craft within entertainment. O'Hara's gentle, warm voice and her Broadway background brought legitimacy and emotion to the role, contributing significantly to the film's artistic success and enduring cultural impact.