Robert Gant Instagram – This month is the 25th Anniversary of Disney’s Hercules! And with it comes many memories. Playing the famed Herc was one of my very first jobs in Hollywood. From beginning to end, I worked on the film for a period spanning 18 months, on and off, memorizing Tate Donovan‘s classic, humorously stuttering dialogue (pre-recorded and given to me to learn on cassette tapes) and infusing the scenes with my own comedic interpretation. As new as I was to the process, my good fortune in getting to work with some of Disney’s most legendary animators was clear to me. Directors John Musker and Ron Clements (already legends going into the process as the director/creators of The Little Mermaid and Aladdin), and all the team, were beyond amazing to work with. Granted, by the end of the run, the Hercules outfit I donned each session was showing signs of its prolonged use. In particular, Hercules’ hair, which had started as a well formed wig, ultimately morphed into the hairspray-infused helmet you see in the photo above. But nothing could dampen the joy I felt at getting to be a part of this incredible classic, acting out the many fights and scenes, action-filled and romantic, as the animators worked their Olympian magic to create this timeless homage to the Greek demigod. Huge shout out to @michelledanse, my Megara cohort, who helped bring that character to life so beautifully. Herc is forever in my heart, and having gotten to work on that project will always remain for me one of those truly cool, utterly unique Hollywood experiences. Thanks so much, John and Ron, for giving me the opportunity to “go the distance” and be a part of immortalizing your timeless, eternally heroic, big lovable lug, Herc. #Hercules #Disney #DisneyAnimation #ZeroToHero #GoTheDistance