Susan Egan Says She Was ‘Primed’ to Voice ‘Jaded’ Meg in “Hercules” After a ’Series of Bad Boyfriends’ (Exclusive)

Susan Egan, known for her role as Meg in Disney’s ‘Hercules’, recently shared how her challenging dating experiences actually helped her bring the character to life. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Egan opened up about her journey voicing Meg and how her personal life influenced her portrayal of the character. The actress reflected on her past roles, including playing Belle in the Broadway adaptation of ‘Beauty and the Beast’, highlighting the stark contrast between the two characters.

Egan jokingly mentioned that her tumultuous dating life “primed” her for the role of Meg. Speaking at the World Princess Week Celebration, she discussed the differences between Meg, who is portrayed as jaded and sarcastic, and Belle, known for her kindness and generosity. Egan’s ability to draw from her own life experiences added depth to her portrayal of Meg, bringing authenticity to the character that resonated with audiences.

The actress revealed that her friends noticed a significant difference in her performance as Meg compared to Belle. While Belle was a character she portrayed on stage, Meg felt more aligned with Egan’s personal experiences. Egan found solace in Meg’s character, admiring her quick wit and ability to navigate challenging situations with ease, something she wished she could replicate in her own life.

World Princess Week, held at the Disneyland Resort, celebrates Disney’s iconic princesses and serves as a platform for past and present princess actors to come together. Egan co-hosted the event alongside fellow actresses like Ginnifer Goodwin, Jodi Benson, Anika Noni Rose, Auli’i Cravalho, and Paige O’Hara. Each actress performed a song associated with their respective characters, creating a memorable experience for attendees.

Despite Meg’s iconic song “I Won’t Say (I’m In Love)”, Egan shared that initially, a different ballad was planned for the character. However, after feedback from the animators and composers, a new song was written to better suit Meg’s personality. The change added a layer of complexity to Meg’s character, showcasing her inner struggles and resilience in the face of denial and love.

Alongside Egan, the talented cast of ‘Hercules’ included the voices of Danny DeVito, James Woods, and Tate Donovan, among others. The film, available for streaming on Disney+, continues to captivate audiences with its engaging storyline and memorable characters. Egan’s contribution to the film as the voice of Meg has left a lasting impact on viewers, showcasing her versatility as an actress and singer.

As Egan continues to reflect on her diverse roles within the Disney universe, her experience voicing Meg stands out as a testament to her ability to embody complex characters with depth and authenticity. Her journey from stage performances to animated voice roles highlights her versatility and passion for storytelling, resonating with audiences of all ages. Egan’s dedication to her craft and ability to draw from personal experiences truly shine through in her portrayal of Meg, making her performance a standout moment in Disney’s animated classics.