Top 10 Broadway Stars You Didn't Know Voiced Animated Characters

Her name might not immediately ring a bell, but this Tony-nominated actress was one of the key figures of our childhoods. You may recognize her enchanting voice from “Anastasia”, the “Aladdin” sequels, or even “The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride”. However, it’s her singing as Odette in “The Swan Princess” that really makes our nostalgic hearts burst. After all, who among us doesn’t know “Far Longer Than Forever” by heart? Twenty-five years later, Callaway recalled the huge impact the part had on young fans. The film may be from 1994, but we’ll never get tired of listening to Odette sing her heart out.

Plummer is probably most recognized for playing Captain Von Trapp in the 1965 classic, “The Sound of Music”. But his acting career began on the stage years earlier, and he’s accumulated an extensive list of credits and awards ever since. However, you might be surprised to learn that he voiced the role of unhinged explorer Charles Muntz in “Up”. In an interview, the actor said that he was a big Pixar fan, which informed his desire to be involved in the film. Thus, the late great Christopher Plummer flawlessly brought one of the studio’s most complex, tragic, and compelling villains to life.

“Thumbelina” featured so many Broadway actors that it could have transferred to the stage and kept its original cast practically intact. For instance, did you recognize Tony award-winning actress Barbara Cook’s voice behind Mother? Or perhaps you heard the distinct tones of Broadway legend Carol Channing when Ms. Fieldmouse spoke. Channing is probably best known for her roles in “Hello, Dolly!” and “Thoroughly Modern Millie”, to name a few. And with countless accolades and honors under her belt, calling her an icon feels like an understatement. Thanks to her expressive voice - which was practically made for animation - the star turned Ms. Fieldmouse into a unique character with an unmatched sound.

Hilty showed everyone what she can do as Glinda in the hit Broadway musical “Wicked”. Her career continued to gain momentum from there, as she racked up several television credits. Most notably, she was Broadway hopeful Ivy Lynn in “Smash”. But what you might not know is that while Amy Poehler played Snow White in the third “Shrek” film, it was Hilty’s singing we heard. It’s a brief moment, but her phenomenal musical talents make it a deeply memorable one. And she’s continued to work across stage and screen in such projects as “9 to 5: The Musical”, “Sofia the First”, and “Noises Off”!

Unless you’re a musical theatre fan who just so happens to have Apple TV+, you might not be familiar with “Central Park.” With theaters closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this animated musical starring some of Broadway’s finest could not have come at a better time. Among its star-studded cast is Emmy-nominated star Leslie Odom Jr.. He voices park manager - and Tillerman family patriarch - Owen. Of course, Odom Jr. is best known for bringing Aaron Burr to life in “Hamilton”. Ever since then, his career has soared. The actor has appeared in countless impressive projects, including “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Harriet.” And he’s just getting started!

Another actor with a uniquely distinct voice is Broadway performer and playwright Harvey Fierstein. The four-time Tony Award winner is often recognized for playing Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray”, and for writing and starring in “Torch Song Trilogy.” He’s also the brains behind the books for “Kinky Boots”, Broadway’s “Newsies”, “La Cage aux Folles” and “A Catered Affair”. But buried somewhere between his stage work, screen credits, and awards is his memorable portrayal of the hot-headed Yao in “Mulan”. Fierstein reprised the role multiple times - including for the Disney classic’s 2004 sequel - and never failed to deliver.

This celebrated thespian has seemingly done it all throughout her decades-long career. Perhaps most notably, she’s a frequent player in the numerous works of Stephen Sondheim. Peters is famous for playing parts like Rose in “Gypsy” and Sally in “Follies.” And those are just a few of the memorable characters the actress has embodied. In 1997, she lent her voice to Sophie, a cousin and confidant to the Dowager Empress in “Anastasia.” Prior to that, she was Rita the singing stray cat in the “Animaniacs” series. Whether she’s on stage or in a studio voice acting, Bernadette Peters’ extraordinary performances always steal the show.

Harris got his break as a television child actor. But you probably know him best as Barney Stinson from “How I Met Your Mother”. However, he’s no stranger to musical theater, which made him the perfect choice for this singing supervillain. Harris’ stage credits include “Sweeney Todd”, “Rent”, “Company” and a Tony-Award-winning performance in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”. He used all that musical prowess to play the Music Meister, a villain with the power to control minds through song. “Mayhem of the Music Meister!” was met with a standing ovation at Comic-Con, and earned the series an Emmy nomination. Harris would also play Dick Grayson in “Batman: Under the Red Hood”.

When you think of Tim Curry, you might picture “The Rocky Horror Show”’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter. But he’a been in a multitude of other productions, including “Hair”, “Travesties”, and “Spamalot”. Curry is also a distinguished voice actor, and was actually awarded a Daytime Emmy for playing Captain Hook in “Peter Pan and the Pirates”. Plus, he narrated many childrens’ nightmares as Hexxus in “FernGully: The Last Rainforest”. But did you know that he voiced Nigel in the Nickelodeon adventure series “The Wild Thornberrys”? That’s right! We have Tim Curry to thank for bringing this joyous dad to life.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a couple of honorable mentions.

Jennifer Cody as Charlotte “Lottie” La Bouff, “The Princess and the Frog” (2009)
This Multi-Talented Theater Actress Voiced Tiana’s Colorful Best Friend

Tom Hulce as Quasimodo, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (1996)
After Singing From the Bell Towers of Notre Dame, This Actor Became a Successful Producer

What do Thumbelina, Ariel, and “Toy Story’s” Barbie have in common? Well, they’re all voiced by the official “Disney Legend” Jodi Benson. She thrived on stage, with credits in shows like “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, “Smile”, “Chess”, and “Crazy for You”. On the silver screen, Benson became the instantly recognizable voice of a little mermaid longing to break free. She’s famous for portraying some of our favorite empowering ladies, and rightfully so. Yet Thumbelina lives in the shadows of her other characters, because the movie didn’t do as well commercially. Still, the actress’ larger-than-life performance turned it into an underrated classic.