O'Hara claims some of her family members immediately recognized O'Hara's physical traits in Belle upon watching the film for the first time. Actress and model Sherri Stoner served as the performance model for Belle, providing live-action reference for the animators as they drew the character. Belle's tendency to constantly brush her hair away from her face was also inspired by both Stoner and O'Hara.
O'Hara asserts that some of her family members immediately identified O'Hara's physical characteristics in Belle upon viewing the film for the first time. Actress and model Sherri Stoner served as the performance model for Belle, providing live-action reference for the animators as they drew the character. Belle's propensity to constantly brush her hair away from her face was also inspired by both Stoner and O'Hara.