Meet the actors behind the ICONIC Disney lead characters

Disney have created some amazing films

Published 11th Jul 2019
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

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