Meet the actors behind the ICONIC Disney lead characters
Disney have created some amazing films
Last updated 12th Jul 2019
With Disney live-action remakes of fan favourite films being released left, right and centre, including Aladdin, Little Mermaid and Mulan, it’s hard to think back to the days when the films were originally released, let alone who the lead cast members were.
So, we’ve been digging through the archives to find out who voiced the leading iconic characters - and you wouldn't believe who is behind some of these roles!
Swipe through to see the actors and which characters they played
Scott Weinger
Scott Weinger voiced the lead character of Aladdin (1992).
Linda Larkin
Linda Larkin voiced the character of Princess Jasmine in Aladdin (1992).
Kelly MacDonald
Kelly MacDonald played the lead character of Merida, the daughter of Scottish King Fergus in Brave (2012).
Billy Connolly
Billy Connolly played King Fergus in Brave (2012). He also voiced Ben and Joe Baker in Pocahontas (1995).
Albert Brooks
Albert Brooks played Marlin in Finding Nemo (2003) and reprised in the role in Finding Dory (2016).
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres played the fish Dory, who was Nemo's sidekick in the first film. But, the fish didn't need to wait too long (well, 13 years) until she got her own film, Finding Dory (2016).
Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel played Queen Elsa in Frozen (2013). She is set to reprise her role in Frozen 2 (2019).
Kristen Bell
Kristen Bell played Elsa's sister Anna in Frozen (2013). Kristen will reprise her role in Frozen 2 (2019).
Matthew Broderick
Matthew Broderick played Simba in the 1994 version of The Lion King and reprised the role in The Lion King 2 (1998) and The Lion King 3 (2004).
Moira Kelly
Moira Kelly played Nala in The Lion King (1994), The Lion King 2 (1998) and The Lion King 3 (2004).
Auli'i Cravalho
18-year-old Auli'i Cravalho took on the role of Moana (2016).
Dwayne Johnson
Dwayne Johnson played Maui in Moana (2016).
Jodi Benson
Jodi Benson was cast as Ariel in The Little Mermaid (1989).
Christopher Daniel Barnes
Christopher Daniel Barnes played Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid (1989).
John Goodman
John Goodman played Sully in Monsters Inc (2001) and reprised his role in the film's prequel Monster University (2013).
Billy Crystal
Billy Crystal played fan favourite Mike Wazowski in both Monsters Inc films.
Mandy Moore
Mandy Moore played the lead role of Rapunzel in Tangled (2010).
Zachary Levi
Zachary Levi played Flynn Rider in Tangled (2010).
Tony Goldwyn
Tony Goldwyn voiced Tarzan (1999).
Minnie Driver
Minnie Driver voiced Jane Porter in Tarzan (1999).
Irene Bedard
Irene Bedard played the title character of Pocahontas (1995).
Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson played Captain John Smith, the love interest of Pocahontas (1995).
Anika Noni Rose
Anika Noni Rose played Princess Tiana in Princess and the Frog (2009).
Bruno Campos
Bruno Campos played Tiana's love interest Prince Naveen (2009).
John C. Reilly
John C. Reilly playing the title character Ralph in Wreck-It Ralph. John went on to voice the character in the second film: Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018).
Sarah Silverman
Sarah Silverman voices Vanellope von Schweetz in both Wreck-It Ralph films.
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen
Tom Hanks plays Woody in Toy Story (1995), Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010) and Toy Story 4 (2019).
Tim Allen plays Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story (1995), Toy Story 2 (1999), Toy Story 3 (2010) and Toy Story 4 (2019).
Robby Benson
Robby Benson played the Beast/Prince Adam in Beauty and the Beast (1991).
Paige O’Hara
Paige O'Hara played Belle in Beauty and the Beast (1991).
Here are all the dates you need for Disney's live-action remakes
Whilst you're at it, why not check out these Disney facts you may not know
Will Smith On What It's Like To Play The Genie In Aladdin
Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.