‘The Princess and the Frog’ Turns 15: Anika Noni Rose Reflects on Film’s Impact

by

As a fan who grew up watching Disney movies and dreaming of one day being a part of this magical world, I can only imagine the sheer joy and pride Anika Noni Rose must feel when she looks back on her role as Princess Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog.” Her emotional reaction to walking the halls of Walt Disney Animation Studios, surrounded by the artifacts of her childhood dreams, is truly heartwarming.

15 years after the release of “The Princess and the Frog,” Anika Noni Rose reminisces about her role in the beloved animated movie.

In a recent interview with People magazine, published on Wednesday, the actress shared thoughts about voicing the leading character of Princess Tiana in the movie.

During her last audition at Walt Disney Animation Studios, she found herself unexpectedly moved by memories of past films as she walked down the hall, causing her to shed tears.

She expressed amazement, stating that she’d dreamed of being a Disney voice for as long as she could remember. She added humorously that the role itself didn’t matter to her; if given the chance, she’d happily become a mushroom, a tree, or even a rock – whatever it took.

As I strolled down memory lane, reliving my childhood, I had an overwhelming sense that what I was experiencing was meant just for me. It resonated deeply within me.

Years down the line, she finds it astonishing that Tiana’s influence on young girls remains “jaw-dropping,” both in the past and present, and how she has been able to connect with children in a unique manner. Furthermore, she has observed kids from various ethnicities and backgrounds donning her character’s iconic green dress at events.

“When I’m thinking of Black or brown-skinned adults, we spent so much time growing up trying to fit into another standard of beauty. And now, at this point, those children, these new children, are comfortable within themselves in different ways,” she said. “They don’t think anything of putting on their Tiana dress. You can’t tell them they’re not Tiana. It’s not about the fact they’re not brown. They still feel like they’re Tiana.”

Babies with brown skin appear to have an air of royalty, and this is noticed by those around them, even if they aren’t also brown. Friends often comment, ‘Indeed, you carry yourself with such grace, you truly are a prince or a princess.'” [She then added.]

Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, featuring voices by Bruno Campos, Jennifer Cody, Keith David, Randy Newman, John Goodman, and Oprah Winfrey, was debuted on December 11, 2009. This captivating fairytale is set in Jazz Age New Orleans, where it follows the story of young Princess Tiana and a frog prince who yearns to regain his human form.

Rose mentioned that those minor adjustments occur when these youngsters express their desire to participate in the school play and aspire to play the role of a princess. At this stage, no one is going to deny them the opportunity to be a princess, for we can all see it reflected in their ambitions.

Read More

2024-12-11 23:55