Howard Ashman

Howard Ashman was a talented American lyricist and playwright best known for his work on Disney's animated films, including *The Little Mermaid* and *Beauty and the Beast*. His clever, heartfelt lyrics helped bring emotional depth and humor to these stories, making them timeless classics. Ashman's songwriting partnership with composer Alan Menken produced some of Disney's most iconic songs, significantly shaping modern animated filmmaking. Tragically, he passed away in 1991 at age 40 from AIDS-related complications but left a lasting legacy through his influential contributions to musical theater and animation.