Linda Larkin, Who Voiced Princess Jasmine in “Aladdin”, Held Back Laughter During Takes with ‘Comedic Genius’ Robin Williams

**Robin Williams: The Comedic Genius Behind Disney’s Aladdin Revisited by Linda Larkin**

Linda Larkin, the voice behind Princess Jasmine in Disney’s beloved 1992 animated film “Aladdin,” recently reflected on her collaboration with the late Robin Williams during a podcast episode of “Hey Dude… The 90s Called.” The conversation brought to light her memories of recording alongside Williams, whom she described as “one of the most incredible comedic geniuses of our lives.”

In the episode, Larkin, who is now 56, shared insights into the unique voice recording process for animated films, explaining that the actors typically record their lines prior to the animation being created. This method enabled the directors, who were themselves animators, to guide the cast through their performances. Larkin vividly recalled the dynamics of her recording sessions, highlighting how both she and Scott Weinger, the voice of Aladdin, would spend extensive hours in the studio, sometimes working with Williams on dialogues that were often improvised.

“Robin was a force of nature,” Larkin emphasised when discussing the creative environment Williams fostered. She described the intimate setting of their recording booth, where they were side by side, each equipped with their own music stand. The challenge lay in maintaining composure while watching Williams’ spontaneous and vibrant performances. “The thing we were the most scared of was ruining a take,” she admitted, noting that each improvised moment brought something unique and often unrepeatable to the film.

Larkin recalled the pressure she felt to rise to Williams’ level of comedy. “I wanted to be good enough, professional, and keep up with this person that I knew was just beyond genius,” she said, recognising the immense talent she was sharing the booth with. Her recounting of these experiences illustrates the respect and admiration she holds for Williams, who tragically passed away in 2014 at the age of 63.

During the podcast, Larkin reminisced about her initial fears of being let go from the project. When she auditioned, there was no indication that Jasmine would be featured in any musical numbers. “I would have never auditioned for it if I had known there would be a song,” she remarked, revealing that initial scripts had positioned her character as somewhat secondary. However, as the film’s development continued, Jasmine’s role expanded, culminating in the famous duet “A Whole New World.”

Upon learning that she would be singing, Larkin assumed that her time with the project had come to an end. “I thought they would obviously have to hire someone else,” she stated, referring to her apprehensions about her own vocal abilities. However, to her relief, the production team reassured her that they would find someone to complement her voice rather than replace her entirely. They ultimately cast Lea Salonga, whose singing voice would accompany Larkin’s acting.

Reflecting on her journey through the making of “Aladdin,” Larkin expressed gratitude for the final outcome. “It worked out,” she proclaimed, noting that Jasmine became Disney’s first princess to have two distinct vocal portrayals—one for speaking and one for singing. This innovative approach would later be adopted in subsequent Disney films, establishing a new standard for character development.

“Aladdin” achieved remarkable success at the box office, grossing over £500 million and winning two Academy Awards, alongside a Grammy for “A Whole New World.” Although Williams did not reprise his role as the Genie in the first direct-to-video sequel, “The Return of Jafar,” he returned for the follow-up, “Aladdin and the King of Thieves,” in 1996.

In addition to her contributions to “Aladdin,” Larkin reprised her role in both sequels and the accompanying animated television series. She has continued to voice Jasmine in various projects, including “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and the popular video game series “Kingdom Hearts.” Her career in animation earned her the title of Disney Legend in 2011, cementing her legacy within the Disney family.

Reflecting on the entire experience, Larkin’s recollections of working with Robin Williams underscore the profound impact he had on those who had the opportunity to collaborate with him. Her vivid memories offer a glimpse into the extraordinary talent and creativity that defined Williams’ approach to comedy, reminding fans of his lasting legacy in the world of animation and beyond.