The Reluctant Princess

I was never that kid who dreamt of being a princess one day. Nor did I like being called ‘Princess’ by men I didn’t know… I still think that’s creepy. I also didn’t grow up dreaming of working for Disney one day. I now know many friends who had both of those dreams. So, I guess you’d say I fell into an enviable role without even knowing it. To me, being cast as Belle in Beauty and the Beast at MGM Studios as part of the opening cast in Nov. 1991 was great, but it was just a gig. And frankly, at that time, it was a transition gig to hold me over for six months before I went back to Europe to continue doing 42nd Street. Now, this is not at all a case of me dissing Disney or anything, so stick with me! This is just the reality of that time for me.

Little did I know, at that time, that this was not only the beginning of a 26 yr. Disney career filled with endless unforgettable memories and opportunities, but it would be the place I met my very best friends. And that is how this ‘City Beautiful’ would become my chosen adult HOME.

My time as Belle was fun and magical in so many ways. I got to work with some incredibly talented performers I can now call dear friends and family. I got to perform on stage with four of the film’s original voices: Broadway legend Jerry Orbach- Lumiere/Paige O’Hara-Belle/Richard White-Gaston and the blue-eyed wonder himself, Robbie Benson-Beast. I’ll never forget being dolled up in a full-length sequin gown (Thanks, Pucci!!) while singing into his gorgeous blue eyes on a Las Vegas stage!

All that is great, but hands down, the best part of being a ‘princess’ was getting to make magic for the little kids who believed in just that…MAGIC! We met celebrity kids, friend’s kids, and most touching of all, special needs kids. Whether they were from Give Kids the World, Make-a-Wish, or a special kid I picked out of the audience to meet, this was the VERY best part of being a princess. Some of those kids and families are still cherished friends in my life today.

After four and a half years, I still loved my job but was longing for something new to do. Little did I know that Disney casting also had other plans for me…so, stay tuned for my follow up blog post!