Paolo Montalban (@itspaolomontalban) helped redefine what a Disney prince could look like, creating a generation's core memory as Prince Christopher in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella.
In this episode of Had to Ask, Paolo joins Melanie Sutrathada (@melaniesutra) for a thoughtful, funny, and inspiring conversation about the legacy of Cinderella, working alongside Whitney Houston and Brandy, navigating a decades-long career in entertainment, and the mindset that has helped him weather the highs and lows of the industry.
Together, they discuss representation, choosing projects with intention, the importance of making Broadway more sustainable for performers, and why every audition is a chance to trust that what's meant for you will find you.
Plus: ASMR, birthday potato parties, Jason Alexander's unforgettable "fart take" acting advice, JROTC, and an impressive collection of musical instruments.
Chapters:
02:00 — The birthday potato party where we first met
06:05 — A master of many instruments
09:47 — How Cinderella changed representation on screen
22:15 — Jason Alexander's hilarious "fart take" acting advice
26:55 — Broadway sustainability and protecting performers
37:17 — The "lost wallet" mindset for surviving auditions
42:02 — The three buckets that guide career decisions
46:15 — Returning to his iconic prince in Descendants
Follow Paolo Montalban and Had to Ask (@hadtoaskpod) for more bold, unfiltered conversations — hosted by Melanie Sutrathada.
Co-produced and edited by Joseph Loper.
Special thanks to Thompson Central Park New York for being the perfect space for this conversation with Had to Ask.
⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review and share it with someone who needs the reminder that not every opportunity is meant to be yours—and that the right one is still waiting to be found.
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