The geographical locations of Agrabah, France, and Atlantica may differ, yet Princesses Jasmine, Belle, and Ariel share a genuine friendship off-screen. During a recent media preview for Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, Disney Treasure, Linda Larkin, the voice of Jasmine since 1992’s Aladdin, revealed to PEOPLE that she maintains a personal bond with the other princesses from her era.
She particularly mentioned her friendship with Jodi Benson, who voiced Ariel in The Little Mermaid (1989), and Paige O’Hara, known for her role as Belle in Beauty and the Beast (1991). According to Larkin, 54, “Ariel, Jasmine, and Belle are real-life friends!”
Linda Larkin celebrates lifelong friendships with fellow Disney Princess voices
When asked about the subjects they discuss, Larkin shared that the trio has “a text thread” where they frequently talk about “our families, faith, relationships, and being part of the Disney legacy.” She also mentioned their involvement in D23 events and upcoming projects, indicating that they always have something to discuss.
Over the years, the women have collaborated on various projects and attended special events, such as the 2018 film Ralph Breaks the Internet, which features a memorable scene with Vanellope von Schweetz (voiced by Sarah Silverman) meeting the Disney Princesses, including Tangled’s Rapunzel, voiced by Mandy Moore.
“We all recorded separately, but we got to do the press junkets together, which was really fun,” Larkin explained, praising Moore, 40, as “great.” In addition to her friendships with O’Hara, 68, and Benson, 63, Larkin mentioned that she also chats with Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Tiana from The Princess and the Frog.
“She’s really wonderful. We had a lot of activity together this year for D23 and celebrated our animator, Mark Henn, being named a Disney Legend,” the actress added. Larkin herself was honored as a Disney Legend in 2011, alongside Benson, O’Hara, Rose, 52, and Broadway star Lea Salonga, who provided the singing voice for both Jasmine and the titular warrior princess in Mulan (1998).
When asked if people recognize her by her voice, Larkin responded, “I do get that regularly.” “I can live quite anonymously, but occasionally someone with a sharp ear will do a double take,” she explained. “I believe I have a recognizable voice, and when people recognize it, they really do.”
As for her own personality traits in relation to Disney princesses, Larkin identifies most with Rapunzel and Belle. “I truly enjoy getting lost in books and creating my own world,” she said.
