The Princess and the Frog Voice Cast - Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David

The Talented Cast Behind Disney's The Princess and the Frog

Disney's 2009 animated film The Princess and the Frog featured a wonderfully talented cast of voice actors that brought the characters to life. Set in 1920s New Orleans, the film followed the adventurous journey of hard-working waitress Tiana as she strove to achieve her dream of opening her own restaurant. Along the way she is transformed into a frog after kissing Prince Naveen, who had been turned into a frog by the voodoo magician Dr. Facilier. Together Tiana and Naveen go on a quest to become human again while learning important lessons about love, life and following your dreams.

Anika Noni Rose as Tiana

Leading the cast as the voice of Tiana was Anika Noni Rose, an accomplished actress and singer known for roles in Dreamgirls, The Princess and the Frog and Empire. Her powerful singing voice and warm, compassionate tone was perfect for bringing Tiana to life. Anika imbued Tiana with a subtle strength and determination underlying her desire to achieve her ambitious goals through hard work. Along with excellent acting chops, Anika also handled the singing scenes with aplomb, including the iconic "Almost There."

Bruno Campos as Prince Naveen

Providing the voice of the dashing but spoiled Prince Naveen was Bruno Campos, a Brazilian-born actor known for roles in Nip/Tuck, Royal Pains and The Lottery. Bruno captured Naveen's charming and fun-loving personality, while also portraying the growth Naveen experiences as he learns important lessons about what really matters in life. His chemistry with Anika Noni Rose was perfect for the unlikely pairing of Tiana and Naveen. Bruno's background in musical theater was put to good use in performing Naveen's song "When We're Human."

Keith David as Dr. Facilier

Veteran actor Keith David lent his smooth baritone voice to the role of villainous voodoo sorcerer Dr. Facilier. Keith portrayed the sinister doctor with a perfect blend of charisma and eerie menace. His character was key to the story as the one who tricks Prince Naveen into becoming a frog. Keith David's long resume of film and TV roles brought the right touch of theatricality and strength to Dr. Facilier's musical number "Friends on the Other Side."

Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis

Providing comic relief and heart was trumpet-playing alligator Louis, voiced by actor and comedian Michael-Leon Wooley. Michael-Leon was hilarious as the bumbling, lovable Louis without ever veering into mockery. He gave Louis a wonderful musical moment with "When We're Human" alongside Naveen. And Louis' bond with Tiana provided some of the most poignant moments of friendship in the film. Michael-Leon's comedic skills and musical talent helped make Louis a standout.

Jennifer Cody as Charlotte La Bouff

Another memorable character was Tiana's childhood best friend, the ditzy but good-hearted Charlotte La Bouff, voiced by actress Jennifer Cody. Jennifer hilariously captured Charlotte's exaggerated Southern belle personality and enchantment with fairy tales and romance. She provided plenty of laughs yet also movingly portrayed Charlotte's genuine friendship with Tiana. The scene of Charlotte selflessly giving up her prince to help Tiana was touchingly conveyed by Jennifer's performance.

Jim Cummings as Ray

Voicing Ray the romantic Cajun firefly was the talented Jim Cummings, a voice acting veteran known for dozens of roles including Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Pete and others. As Ray, Jim served as a guiding light for Tiana and Naveen, both literally and figuratively. His New Orleans accent and enthusiastic support for the two protagonists to find love gave the character charm and heart. Jim also movingly performed the song "Ma Belle Evangeline" which revealed Ray's unrequited love for his star.

Terrence Howard as James

In the role of Tiana's hardworking father James was acclaimed actor Terrence Howard. Though James only appears at the beginning, Terrence's warm, encouraging presence helped establish Tiana's close relationship with her father and motivation to make his restaurant dream come true. Terrence has shined in a wide range of film, TV and stage roles that made him well-suited to conveying the brief but important character of James.

Oprah Winfrey as Eudora

As Tiana's loving mother Eudora, the perfect casting choice was made with the iconic Oprah Winfrey. Oprah's compassionate, maternal presence immediately established Eudora and Tiana's caring bond. Though Oprah has limited feature film acting roles, her brief but memorable performance as Eudora made a strong impression. Oprah perfectly conveyed a mother's pride and belief in her daughter's ambitions.

John Goodman as Eli "Big Daddy" La Bouff

Veteran character actor John Goodman lent his talents to the bombastic role of Charlotte's wealthy father Eli "Big Daddy" La Bouff. John captured Big Daddy's larger-than-life persona as a powerful, influential businessman with southern charm. His jovial yet intimidating presence established the character rapidly. And John Goodman allowed glimpses of Big Daddy's warmth and devotion to his daughter beneath his formidable exterior.

A Well-Assembled Cast

The cast of The Princess and the Frog was impeccably chosen to bring a fantastic blend of talent to the jazz age, fairy tale setting. Each actor used their voice, singing and personality to inhabit their role in a way that imbued the characters with spirit, humor and emotion. Together they created an ensemble that struck the perfect balance of fantasy, adventure, friendship and romance. Their collective charisma and energy helped make the film a new animated classic.

FAQs

What is The Princess and the Frog about?

The Princess and the Frog is a 2009 Disney animated film set in 1920s New Orleans. It follows Tiana, a hard-working waitress who dreams of opening her own restaurant. After kissing Prince Naveen who has been turned into a frog, Tiana also becomes a frog and they go on an adventure through the bayous to become human again.

What was the first Disney princess movie?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs released in 1937 was the first Disney animated feature film and the first Disney princess movie. Snow White was also the first full-length cel animated feature film.

Who was the first African American Disney princess?

Tiana from The Princess and the Frog was Disney's first African American princess. The film was praised for its cultural representation and emphasis on Tiana's ambition and work ethic.

What musical numbers are in The Princess and the Frog?

Memorable musical numbers include "Almost There" and "When We're Human" performed by Tiana, Naveen and Louis. Other songs are "Friends on the Other Side" by villain Dr. Facilier and "Ma Belle Evangeline" sung by Ray.

When did The Princess and the Frog take place?

The Princess and the Frog is set in 1920s New Orleans during the Jazz Age. The setting allowed Disney to create a distinctive visual style and musical soundtrack inspired by the era.