Richard White: The Man Behind the Voice of Gaston
In the animated Disney classic "Beauty and the Beast," the character of Gaston is a narcissistic, arrogant, and chauvinistic hunter who is obsessed with winning the affections of Belle. Despite his unlikable qualities, Gaston is also a charismatic and charming villain who has become one of the most beloved characters in the Disney universe.
The voice of Gaston was provided by Richard White, an American actor and opera singer. White's performance is a tour-de-force, capturing all of Gaston's arrogance and charisma. He also brings a surprising amount of depth to the character, making him more than just a one-dimensional villain.
White was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, in 1953. He studied music at the University of Tennessee and the Juilliard School. After graduating from Juilliard, White began his career as an opera singer. He performed in a number of operas, including "The Marriage of Figaro," "Don Giovanni," and "Carmen."
In the early 1990s, White began to transition to acting. He appeared in a number of television shows and movies, including "The Nanny," "Frasier," and "The Practice." In 1991, he landed the role of Gaston in "Beauty and the Beast."
After "Beauty and the Beast," White continued to work steadily in both acting and singing. He has appeared in films such as "The Sixth Sense," "The Cider House Rules," and "The Princess and the Frog." He has also performed in a number of Broadway musicals, including "The Lion King" and "The Little Mermaid."
White is a versatile and talented performer who has brought life to a wide range of characters. He is best known for his role as Gaston in "Beauty and the Beast," but he has also had a successful career in both acting and singing.