Howard Ashman wrote the lyrics for Disney's 1991 Beauty and the Beast before his death during production.
Ashman collaborated with composer Alan Menken on the film's songs. Their partnership had already produced the music for The Little Mermaid, and it continued with Beauty and the Beast. Ashman died in March 1991 from complications related to AIDS, months before the film's general release.
The filmmakers dedicated the movie to him. His lyrics helped establish the characters, tone, and emotional structure of the musical, especially in songs such as “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The film's success contributed to the recognition of animation as a major cinematic art form.
Ashman is sometimes confused with Tim Rice, who later wrote lyrics for the 1994 stage musical adaptation and co-wrote new material for the 2017 film. Ashman was the principal lyricist for the 1991 animated feature.