Exclusiva: Jesse Corti Dishes On The Rebirth Of 'Beauty And The Beast'

By Michael Lopez

It seems like audiences just can't get enough of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The animated film became a huge smash when it was first released in 1991. Then it transitioned into a Broadway musical and now it's hitting theaters once again in stunning 3D. Original voice actor Jesse Corti has been a part of the experience the whole way through and recently spoke to us about Beast’s long lasting charm.

"I feel really blessed to be a part of this movie," Jesse explained. "It's been a phenomenal experience and I can’t wait to see how it transitions into 3D!"

Corti became famous for voicing Beast's villainous sidekick Le Fou. A trained Broadway actor, Jesse told us that his theatrical training played a big part in helping him score the role.

"I was doing Les Miserables on Broadway when the auditions took place," he said. "We heard that Disney was looking for actors who could sing really well. I got the audition and actually read for Le Fou, as well as Lumiere the candle and Cogsworth the clock."

Corti's singing chops definitely got put to good use in the movie. Le Fou famously belted out the bad guy anthem "Gaston" and its stirring reprise. Interestingly, Jesse told us that he got to sing it in both English and Spanish when he recorded tracks en español for the film.

"I was born in Venezuela and grew up speaking Spanish," Corti told us. "When the producers found out, they had me come in and record all of Le Fou's Spanish dialogue for the international version. I believe I was the first actor ever to record both the English and Spanish versions in the same Disney movie."

And Jesse's commanding voice has suited him well since then. Following Beast, Corti dove into a ton of animated roles on series like The Batman, Gargoyles, and Handy Manny. He's also recorded dialogue for multiple video games, including Call of Juarez on Playstation.

But, as Jesse explained, it is Le Fou that seems to bring him the most recognition.

"The most letters I've ever received for a role have come from Beauty and the Beast," he explained. "But I love it and I’m especially glad that new generations will be able to experience it when it comes out again in 3D."

You can catch the enhanced 3D version of Beauty and the Beast in theaters this Friday.

Are you looking forward to the re-release of Disney's Beauty and the Beast? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 3D, Beauty and the Beast, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Broadway, Disney, Exclusive Entrevistas, Jesse Corti, Le Fou, Movies & CineMás, Tr3s Exclusives