Howard Ashman's journey in the entertainment industry began with a passion for musical theater, which led him to open a theater in New York. His adaptation of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS became a hit, and he went on to collaborate with Marvin Hamlisch on Smile. After a disappointing experience, Howard moved to Los Angeles and worked with Disney animators, co-writing the Oscar-winning songs for THE LITTLE MERMAID. Despite being diagnosed with HIV, Howard continued to create music, including the initial songs for ALADDIN and lyrics for BEAUTY AND THE BEAST from his hospital bed.
Howard
Songwriter Howard Ashman wrote iconic lyrics for Little Shop of Horrors, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast before his untimely death from AIDS in 1991.