The Beauty and the Beast Cast: All You Need to Know About These Beloved Characters

The Beauty and the Beast cast brought one of the most beloved fairy tales to life. Whether you’re a fan of the animated classic or the live-action adaptation, knowing about the actors behind your favorite characters can make the story even more magical. In this blog post, we will explore the actors, the roles they played, and how they contributed to making Beauty and the Beast such a hit. If you’re curious about who played Belle, Beast, Gaston, and more, keep reading!
A Look at the Beauty and the Beast Cast
Beauty and the Beast has seen multiple versions, with the most famous being the 1991 animated film and the 2017 live-action remake. Let’s break down the key members of the cast in both these versions.
The Cast of the 1991 Animated Classic
The 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast was a groundbreaking movie that captured the hearts of many. Here’s a look at the main characters and the actors who voiced them.
- Belle – Paige O’Hara
Paige O’Hara voiced the intelligent and brave Belle. Known for her love of books, Belle was a new kind of Disney princess, showing that beauty is more than just looks. Paige’s heartfelt performance helped make Belle an iconic character. Her voice perfectly matched Belle’s warmth and curiosity.
- Beast – Robby Benson
Robby Benson voiced the Beast, a prince cursed to live in a monstrous form. His journey from anger and loneliness to love and compassion is one of the most memorable parts of the film. Benson’s voice showed the Beast’s deep emotions, making him a character you couldn’t help but root for.
- Gaston – Richard White
The arrogant and selfish Gaston, played by Richard White, is the movie’s main villain. White’s performance made Gaston larger than life, capturing both his charm and his cruel, controlling nature.
- Lumière – Jerry Orbach
Jerry Orbach brought charm and humor to Lumière, the candelabra who serves the Beast. Lumière’s lively personality and catchy song, “Be Our Guest,” made him a fan favorite.
- Cogsworth – David Ogden Stiers
David Ogden Stiers voiced Cogsworth, the nervous but lovable clock. His performance balanced humor and wisdom, making him a perfect companion to Lumière.
The Cast of the 2017 Live-Action Film
The 2017 live-action remake featured a star-studded cast that brought new depth to the beloved story.
- Belle – Emma Watson
Emma Watson, famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter series, was cast as Belle. Watson’s portrayal of Belle emphasized the character’s intelligence and independence even more. She brought a modern touch to the role, making Belle a role model for young girls everywhere.
- Beast – Dan Stevens
Dan Stevens, known for his role in Downton Abbey, played the Beast. His performance was both fierce and vulnerable, capturing the Beast’s inner struggle. Through motion capture technology, Stevens’ facial expressions were key to making the Beast feel real.
- Gaston – Luke Evans
Luke Evans was perfectly cast as Gaston, capturing both the charm and villainy of the character. His performance made Gaston even more dangerous, as Evans added a dark, sinister edge to the role.
- Lumière – Ewan McGregor
Ewan McGregor’s portrayal of Lumière was full of charisma and energy. His performance in the “Be Our Guest” scene was one of the highlights of the film, blending humor with show-stopping theatrics.
- Cogsworth – Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen, an acting legend, brought dignity and a dry sense of humor to the role of Cogsworth. His interactions with Lumière added both comedic and heartfelt moments to the film.
The Importance of the Beauty and the Beast Cast
The cast of both Beauty and the Beast films played a huge role in their success. From the voices in the animated film to the star-studded live-action remake, the actors brought these beloved characters to life in ways that audiences of all ages could enjoy.
Transitioning from animation to live-action allowed a new generation to experience the magic of Beauty and the Beast. Each actor added their own unique touch, helping the story feel fresh while staying true to its roots.
Fun Facts about the Beauty and the Beast Cast
Here are some fun behind-the-scenes facts that fans might enjoy:
- Paige O’Hara said she actually cried during her audition for Belle because she felt so connected to the character’s emotions.
- Emma Watson insisted on making Belle an inventor in the 2017 film to emphasize her intelligence and creativity.
- Dan Stevens wore stilts and a heavy, padded suit while performing as the Beast in motion capture, making his performance even more challenging.
- Jerry Orbach (Lumière) and David Ogden Stiers (Cogsworth) were good friends off-screen, which helped their on-screen chemistry.
Related to Consider
When exploring the Beauty and the Beast cast, you might also want to learn about:
- Beauty and the Beast soundtrack
- How was Beauty and the Beast made?
- Behind the scenes of Beauty and the Beast
- Beauty and the Beast cast interviews
Each of these topics provides deeper insight into the film’s production, the actors’ experiences, and how they prepared for their roles.

FAQs
Who plays Belle in the live-action Beauty and the Beast?
Emma Watson plays Belle in the 2017 live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. She brought a strong, intelligent, and modern version of Belle to the screen.
Who voiced the Beast in the animated Beauty and the Beast?
Robby Benson voiced the Beast in the 1991 animated version. His emotional performance helped make the Beast a beloved character.
Did the actors in Beauty and the Beast sing their own songs?
Yes! In both the animated and live-action versions, the actors sang their own songs. Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, and the rest of the live-action cast trained extensively to perfect their singing.
Why is Gaston the villain in Beauty and the Beast?
Gaston’s arrogance, cruelty, and desire for control make him the villain of the story. He refuses to take no for an answer when it comes to Belle and sees the Beast as a threat to his ego.
What makes Belle different from other Disney princesses?
Belle is known for her intelligence, love of books, and independence. Unlike other princesses, she doesn’t dream of finding a prince. Instead, she values adventure and personal growth.
Conclusion
The Beauty and the Beast cast, from the original 1991 film to the 2017 live-action remake, has given life to one of Disney’s most iconic stories. Each actor, through their unique portrayal of these timeless characters, has made the tale as old as time resonate with audiences worldwide. Whether you’re revisiting the classic or watching the live-action version for the first time, understanding the cast behind these characters only deepens the magic of the story.
For more insights into the making of Beauty and the Beast, check out this article on the movie’s history and this interview with the cast.