It’s human nature, I guess, but I often can’t help but wonder what Howard would be doing now, had he lived.
Howard was born on May 17, 1950. So today he would have been 62 and the cold, hard fact is that it’s tough to be a boy wonder when you’re no longer a boy (I could give you a list a mile long of boy/girl wonders who hit late middle age only to flame – or worse, peter – out, but I’m being nice).
So, Howard would no longer have been a boy, or even a middle-aged wonder. And he wouldn’t have that beautiful and terrible biography that ends in his last three years. That time of illness and stunningly lyrical creativity that so intrigues people.
Howard spent three years in film and at least thirty in theater. So I’m guessing, and hoping, that he wouldn’t have left the world of live theater behind. In fact, I can’t imagine that he would have done that. Yeah, he was sore and bruised after Smile but theater was in his blood. I can’t imagine he would have stayed away forever.
I can imagine, though, that he might have stayed away from Broadway, though even that, too, is up for grabs.
I think he would have kept working in movies, too. Because he would have had the offers and he would have been excited by the possibilities and he couldn’t have said no.
But that’s the professional stuff. The life stuff is harder to guess at and more painful to think about. Howard was the only person I’ve ever known who got better with success. He actually calmed down (well, he calmed down a little). And he was particularly generous – with both the money that started to dribble and then roll in, and with his time. More importantly, at least to me, Howard was generous with his emotions.
The reason he could do those demos so believably wasn’t only that he was a great mimic – he was also empathetic. He really did, “feel your pain” and it didn’t matter if your pain was that of a Mermaid who longs for legs or, back when we were young, the pain of a kid sister who thinks she is friendless and alone. I think that was maybe his best trait, the one I appreciated and miss the most.
Howard didn’t often wear his heart on his sleeve, he could be tough and prickly as the best and worst of them, his humor could sting while it sent you rolling in the aisles. No, he didn’t wear his heart on his sleeve but those of us who knew and loved him and felt the warmth of that heart never had to look far to find it.
Professionally, I don’t know what path Howard would have chosen. But personally, I can only imagine that the warmth and humor and grace and empathy I, and those who loved him knew, would have grown and thrived with the passing years.
(x)
On this day back in 1991, the world lost one of the most talented lyricists. He brought life back into Disney movies and I will always be thankful for his work. It’s such a shame that he passed away so young. I wonder what other incredible songs he would have written.
Today I’ve been thinking and praying a lot about Howard. Howard Ashman was a man of absolute brilliance who briefly touched us with his radiance. Howard is best known to the public for his contributions to the Broadway stage productions that he wrote such as “Little Shop of Horrors” (with Alan Menken) and “Smile”. Howard is also known for writing the lyrics to all the songs in Walt Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” (1989) and “Beauty and the Beast” (1991) as well as the beginnings of “Aladdin” (1992)’s songs.
Howard was an artist in every sense of the word. He was such a creative soul that thrived on the magic of musicals and film. Howard was taken from us much too quickly, for on March 14, 1991, Howard died of AIDS complications. Howard never got to see the final version of “Beauty and the Beast”, nor did he live to see the success that it has since achieved globally. In honor of Howard, I’d personally like to thank him for being such a significant part of my life without even realizing it. I feel it limiting to say a huge part of my childhood was spent with his songs, because the truth of the matter is these songs and films are a part of my daily life. When I had nothing, I had these films.
In honor of Howard, I’d like to share this tribute which is part of a documentary that is trying to be made about him. If you are familiar with him, his work, or simply grew up listening to his songs I suggest you watch and learn the lineage of these songs.
05.17.1950 | 03.14.1991
Forever with the angels.
“He was an amazing influence on everybody. And I don’t want to compare him to Walt, but on the other hand, he had that kind of influence on everybody.”
Roy Disney on Howard Ashman, who passed away from AIDS 21 years ago today.
I think I know what kind of influence Roy was talking about. Howard, like Walt, knew what he wanted, what sounded or looked the best, and inspired everyone who worked with him to deliver 110%. Howard gave a mermaid her voice, a beast his soul, and he got an orphan kitty to dream. For that, his mark on Disney will always be remembered and though he’s gone, he will always be remembered. And loved.
Howard Ashman
Disneyland
From “Smile”I know you’re going to say the trees are paper-mache
It’s done with mirrors, the magic there
Each little bird’s full of springs
You press a button it sings, recorded music in the air
The castle’s plywood and paste
They’ve had the mountain refaced
Go on, say it
I’ll turn around and tell you I don’t care
John Musker (via howardashman.com)
In almost every musical ever written, there’s a place, usually the third song in the evening, sometimes it’s the second, sometimes it’s the fourth, quite early, when the leading lady usually 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 (rest in peace)
Howard Ashman and Alan Menken- Arabian Nights
