Alan Menken and His Leading Ladies: Donna Murphy and Mother Gothel

Donna Murphy re-creates her performance as Mother Gothel in Tangled, and Alan Menken talks about his inspiration for the character's signature song.

[moogaboogaa]

Holy frick if they made a live action Tangled she could still play her.

[kimbo]

I love her voice so much so soothing in a weird way

[angelobello-an]

She's secretly Mother Gothel irl, hiding a princess with a magic healing hair. There's no doubt about it.

How can she be so beautiful at 60?!

[oshahott]

Her voice is just so clear and she has so much control over it! She's abslolutely astounding!

[VivaLaDnDLogs]

I was shocked she could remember the song so well; then it hit me, how would I feel if I had my *own* Disney song? I would absolutely make it mine and sing it forever.

[mevox]

the way she gets into character so quickly is amazing

[almiramaecainglet]

Really, mother Gothel was so dark for me. She uses emotional abuse. Makes you guilty for your actions. It's like walking on eggshells with her and having to grow up with that kind of person, is traumatizing. You wouldn't even realize how deep your scars are until youre on your on your own finding it hard to socialize and you constantly want to please other people which always ends up to be self destructing. It's hard. Mother Gothel will always be the darkest villain for me because she exists in reality.

PS
Murphy did a really great job playing mother Gothel though ❤️❤️❤️

[Stacattooo]

Her face is so calming, and her voice omg. So amazing.

[TommyLellan]

I’ve never seen such a melding of voice actor to animated character as with Tangled. All three of the leads actors ARE their parts.

[Riccardo]

Such a goddess. She has the voice, the beauty and the attitude

[simpfelicity]

her laugh omg it's so naturally wicked lol love it

[canie]

Looking and sounding that georgous at 60?? Woow are we sure she isnt mother gothel irl?

[ynnavy]

Tangled has the best voice actors ever! Their characterization fits perfectly.

[fai]

So much clarity in her voice!! Very bright!!!!

[alejandromondragon]

Ugh she is just fabulous the way she instantly clicks into it - she exudes confidence and finesse and grace I’m such a fan

[iglesianinagenda]

Srsly I hear that line "motheerr knows best" so cute and alluring at the same time!

If live action will be done, I wish she'll play her role as the mother of Rapunzel

[Ralph]

Not only her voice is so iconic, even the way she enunciate some of the words are very distinct.

[jordankimberg]

Donna Murphy is such a treasure. She should have gotten so much more recognition for her spectacular performance

[supremeoverlorde]

She has such a beautiful voice --- and so much control, too. I remember being blown away by her performance in Tangled even when I was a kid.

[OkraDayss]

I absolutely love her singing voice and her theatre style!! Donna Murphy is incredible! I also adore Alan Menkin’s music scores!! His work on Tangled, Pocahontas, and so many others are absolutely beautiful sounding and amazing!