Kristen Anderson-Lopez

Kristen Anderson-Lopez is an award-winning American lyricist and songwriter, best known for her work on Disney’s Frozen, Frozen II, and Coco. Born in 1972 and raised in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, she grew up immersed in music and storytelling. She attended Williams College, where she majored in drama and studied voice, later earning her MFA from the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop. Her early career included work in off-Broadway and children’s theatre, where she began refining her talents as a lyricist and musical dramatist.

Her big break came through collaborations with her husband, composer Robert Lopez. Together, they co-wrote the songs for Winnie the Pooh (2011), which led to their selection as the songwriting team for Disney’s Frozen (2013). The film’s breakout hit, “Let It Go,” became a cultural phenomenon, earning the duo an Academy Award, Grammy Award, and critical acclaim for their emotionally resonant and character-driven songwriting. Kristen’s lyrics brought psychological depth, humor, and heart to the film’s characters, helping redefine what a Disney princess movie could be.

In the years that followed, Anderson-Lopez continued to shape Disney’s musical identity. She co-wrote all the songs for Frozen II (2019), including “Into the Unknown” and “Show Yourself,” which expanded the emotional and narrative scope of the franchise. She and Robert also contributed to Pixar’s Coco, winning a second Academy Award for the song “Remember Me,” which explored themes of legacy and memory through a poignant musical lens.

Beyond film, Anderson-Lopez has worked on stage musicals, including the a cappella musical In Transit, which premiered off-Broadway before moving to Broadway in 2016. She is also known for co-writing Finding Nemo: The Musical for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and working on upcoming projects for stage and screen. Her writing blends emotional intelligence, narrative structure, and lyrical inventiveness, making her one of the most sought-after voices in modern musical storytelling.

Kristen Anderson-Lopez’s contributions to musical theatre and film have earned her widespread acclaim, including multiple Oscars, Grammys, and nominations for Tony and Emmy Awards. Her work continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, combining heartfelt character exploration with memorable melodies. With a legacy that bridges Broadway, Hollywood, and global pop culture, she stands as a defining voice in contemporary musical storytelling.