7 Things You Didn't Know about the Cast of Belle ...

1. The Mime

Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who plays Dido Elizabeth as part of the cast of Belle, had experience with a different sort of acting before she came to the silver screen. As a child, Gugu was a mime! Beginning at age 11, Gugu would appear annually in the pantomime at Oxford Playhouse. Later, in her teens, she began acting with words too - and how lucky we are that she did!

2. The Waitress

Oscar nominee Emily Watson (Lady Mansfield) wasn't so successful in her early years. After attending university in Bristol, Watson applied to drama school and was shockingly rejected! The now critically acclaimed actress spent three years working waitressing jobs, hoping to be accepted. She eventually was, and went on to become the household name she is today.

3. The Renaissance Man

Tom Felton, who appears as James Ashford in Belle, will always have a blot on his copybook in my eyes, after his role as the cruel Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series. However, I have to recognize his abilities outside of his on-screen roles are exceptional! Felton began acting early on, but that isn’t his only skill. Tom also excelled in singing, and was offered a position in the Guildford Cathedral. He is also a talented athlete, enjoying soccer, cricket, and ice skating. Now, he is one of the founding owners of Six String Productions, an up and coming recording company. Tom Felton really does it all!

4. The Restless Youth

The part of Lord Mansfield was executed perfectly by the highly acclaimed actor Tom Wilkinson. But did you know that, when he was growing up, Tom was a restless, rebellious youth? It wasn’t until he redirected his energy to theater that he mellowed out. His concerned headmistress gave him the idea, and Tom listened. He went on to attend Kent University and later London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

5. The Godfather Fan

Her demure, feminine role as Elizabeth Murray would suggest otherwise, but Sarah Gadon is a major fan of The Godfather! Sarah is a rising star with a bright future. Naturally, one may wonder where such a talented girl derives her inspiration. Well, according to a recent interview, The Godfather is what really changed the way she thought about film. The Godfather, along with other notable films such as The Wizard of OZ, made her see film as magical and artistic, prompting her to become an actress!

6. The Catholic School Girl

Penelope Wilton (Lady Mary) is a successful British actress known for her roles in period piece dramas such as Downton Abbey and Pride and Prejudice. But before she took to the screen, Penelope was educated in convent schools. She says that she “loved the nuns” and “loved all the drama and incense”.

7. The Determined

Belle took a long time to make it to the public eye. We’re lucky it did, and part of that reason is because Gugu Mbatha-Raw was so very determined to make it all work out! She remained attached to the film for seven full years as the film was in development. Slowly but surely, Belle picked up steam and is now the masterpiece we have today!

After discovering so much about the actors, I loved the movie even more! How could I not? What did you find most interesting about the cast of Belle? Do you know of any more little-known-facts about these actors?