Howard Elliott Ashman (1950-1991), an esteemed American playwright, lyricist and stage director, is best known for his invaluable contributions to Walt Disney Animation Studios.
Collaborating closely with composer Alan Menken, Ashman played a significant role in the Disney Renaissance, writing lyrics for beloved films including Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin.
Born in Baltimore, Ashman pursued theater from a young age, completing a Masters in Fine Arts at Indiana University.
His collaboration with Menken started in 1979, a partnership that would lead to numerous accolades.
Ashman’s influence was pivotal in reviving Disney’s musical animation genre, emphasizing the importance of casting actors with strong musical theater and acting backgrounds.
During the production of The Little Mermaid, Ashman was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS but continued his lyrical work for Beauty and the Beast despite his deteriorating health.
Ashman, a two-time Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award recipient, passed away in 1991.
Best Howard Ashman Quotes
I was innocent but certain, now I’m wiser but unsure. ~ Howard Ashman.
I want adventure in the great wide somewhere.
I want it more than I can tell.
And for once it might be grand
To have someone understand
I want so much more than they’ve got planned… ~ Howard Ashman.
In almost every musical ever written, there’s a place that’s usually about the third song of the evening – sometimes it’s the second, sometimes it’s the fourth, but it’s quite early – and the leading lady usually sits down on something; sometimes it’s a tree stump in Brigadoon, sometimes it’s under the pillars of Covent Garden in My Fair Lady, or it’s a trash can in Little Shop of Horrors… but the leading lady sits down on something and sings about what she wants in life. And the audience falls in love with her and then roots for her to get it for the rest of the night. ~ Howard Ashman.
So these were the 3 top Howard Ashman quotes and sayings.
If you like these quotes and sayings, then you can also read my other posts on Wilma Mankiller quotes and Ken Griffey Jr quotes.
