The Faces Behind the Classic Disney Voices
Like many kids back in the day and even now, we were raised with some of the most iconic kids films (that adults secretly love too!) ever made. Films that transported us to far far away lands where giant castles with monsters existed and even mermaids roamed under the sea with their crustacean buddies having a good old sing song. We are of course talking about Disney!
Even to this day we are still madly in love with these true icons, so much so that it's inspired us to get our hands on some classic Disney T-Shirts featuring the well-known animated faces.
Now we all know and love the classic characters who made us laugh, made us cry (damn it Simba!) and above all else taught us some ever valuable lessons, but have you ever wondered what they actually look like....in real life??
Well look no further! Yes we've been looking into some of our all-time favourite Disney films and the characters we loved the most, searching for the real identity of the voices that spoke to our hearts. Take a look at some of the most amazing people ever.....
Pinocchio - Dick Jones
Named as one of the Disney Legends, Dickie Jones played Pinocchio in 1940 which became one of his best-loved work. He also starred in a number of B-Western films and had his own TV series called Buffalo Bill, Jr later in 1955.
Simba (The Lion King) - Jonathan Taylor Thomas
Starring in one of our all-time favourite movies, Jonathan played the voice of young Simba back in the 1994 classic, he later went on to star as Ben Archer in Man of the House (1994) opposite Chevy Chase. Among his other movies are Tom and Huck (1995) and The Adventures of Pinocchio (1996).
The Beast - Robby Benson
Featuring in Broadway shows, TV series, various films and voice work, Robby also went on to marry American singer, actress and voice artist Karla DeVito too! What a guy!
Winnie The Pooh - Sterling Holloway
One of the true Disney icons! Sterling has played some of the most popular characters ever including of course Winnie the Pooh, Mr. Stork (Dumbo), the adult Flower in Bambi, The Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland, Kaa in The Jungle Book, Roquefort in The Aristocats, and more! WOWZERSS! He was even known to ring up children's hospitals and speak to the kids as Winnie the Pooh, can you imagine that!?
Cinderella - Ilene Woods
Jacqueline Ruth "Ilene" Woods was an American voice actress and singer best known for her work as the amazing Cinderella, she also had her own radio show on NBC Blue Network (which later became ABC Radio) known as the Ilene Woods Show. She also sang for President Roosevelt at his home in Hyde Park. She also sang at the White House for President Truman, after singing for the soldiers and sailors of war.
Alice in Wonderland - Kathryn Beaumont
Kathryn Beaumont is an English actress, singer, and school teacher who was born in the big smoke London. She is best known for giving us the voices of both Alice in Disney's Alice in Wonderland AND Wendy in Disney's Peter Pan! Did you know that? :)
Sleeping Beauty - Mary Costa
American singer and actress, who is best known for providing the voice of Princess Aurora in the 1959 film, Sleeping Beauty. The story goes that in 1952, after meeting people at a party with her future husband, director Frank Tashlin, she auditioned for the part of Disney's Princess Aurora. Walt Disney called her personally within hours of the audition to inform her that the part was hers! She later went on to perform in 44 operatic roles on stages throughout the world thanks to her amazing singing talent.
aaaand roll credits!
We hope you've leant something useful from this adventure, some handy pub quiz trivia perhaps, or maybe you just feel that little bit closer to some of the iconic characters.
If you're left wanting more Disney in your lives, don't forget to check out our amazing range of Disney clothing and jewellery inspired by the greats. Take a peep at some of our very faves....
In 1952, after meeting people at a party with her future husband, director Frank Tashlin, she auditioned for the part of Disney's Princess Aurora. Walt Disney called her personally within hours of the audition to inform her that the part was hers.
xoxo