See how much you know about Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid.’
Jodi Benson became a part of our world on this day in 1961. Benson is best known for voicing Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989), but her career goes far beyond flippers and fins. (Did you know she voiced Barbie in the Toy Story series?) Head to the blog to find out even more about this Disney Legend.
Childhood & Early Years
Photo by Cliff WangBorn in Rockford, Illinois, Jodi Benson spent much of her life working toward a career in Broadway. The singer and actress who would eventually become known for her lead role in Disney’s The Little Mermaid had already begun singing by the time she was just five years old.
Benson attended private Catholic school as a child before moving on to attend Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. In her collegiate career, she had originally been enrolled in law school, but since her passion truly lay in performing, she made the decision to change her major and become one of the school’s first B.F.A. in musical theater graduates.
Jodi Benson on Broadway
Photo via Disney Parks BlogPrior to her starring role in the Walt Disney Animation Studios film, Benson was seeking out a career in the Broadway world. She made her Broadway debut in the 1983 play “Marilyn: An American Fable,” directed by Kenny Ortega (Hocus Pocus, Newsies).
She performed in the 1986 production of “Smile,” which was perhaps foreshadowing as the show included a song titled “Disneyland,” just a couple of years before setting her sights on becoming a Disney Princess.
She later appeared in A.E. Hotchner’s and Cy Coleman’s “Welcome to the Club” (1989) and “Crazy for You” (1992), with the latter earning her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. During her time in the stage show circuit, she was also able to perform alongside her husband Ray Benson, who had roles in several of the same shows.
The Little Mermaid
Photo via Disney Parks BlogGiven the legacy of The Little Mermaid today, Disney fans might be surprised to learn that the role of Ariel was not necessarily a top choice for Benson at the time of her audition.
According to D23, Benson once said, “Nobody really wanted to do those types of jobs. It wasn’t a very prestigious job. My goal was to do Broadway musicals. Voice acting was something I didn’t know anything about!”
Benson ultimately won the role of the soon-to-be very popular mermaid, beating out over 500 other actresses who tried out for the part. And as far as her initial reaction to the audition goes, Benson later came to love the film and has even shared that she sees some of herself in the main character.
Photo via Disney Parks BlogBenson’s performance as Ariel has truly made the character what she is today. Just as Benson’s voice work spans far beyond the original Disney animated film (with games, dolls, series, sequels, and more) the story of The Little Mermaid has continued in multiple reimaginings.
The Little Mermaid became one of the most popular Broadway productions, and even has a reimagined Broadway-style version of the story being performed for Guests sailing aboard the Disney Wish, Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship. And, in 2023, a new theatrical release telling the story with actress Halle Bailey in the lead role will debut for fans.
After Ariel
Photo via Disney Parks BlogJodi Benson might be most known for her portrayal of Ariel, but the talented singer and actress went on to fulfill a number of role with Disney after The Little Mermaid.
She played the role of Barbie in the Toy Story franchise, debuting in Toy Story 2 (1999) then reprising the role for Toy Story 3 (2010). She portrayed Helen of Troy in the Hercules animated TV series for Disney, and played Weebo in Flubber (1997). Benson is even known to step in for Paige O’Hara, the voice of Belle in Beauty and the Beast (1991), when needed for newly created content featuring the character.
It isn’t just animated Disney films where you might catch a performance by Jodi Benson. In 2007’s Enchanted, Benson made her live-action debut, and you may even hear “Part of Your World” playing during her scenes.
Benson was named a Disney Legend in 2011, and she continues to work with the company today on a number of projects both as Ariel, herself, and more. She’s even made appearances at special events in Disney theme parks and aboard Disney Cruise Line, and she is always thrilled to meet fan at said events.
Mickey Mouse Revue at Magic Kingdom – Today in Disney History
Written by Brittany DiCologero
Thanks for reading Today in Disney History, 1961: Jodi Benson, Voice of Ariel, Was Born - WDW Magazine. Please share...!
0 Comment for "Today in Disney History, 1961: Jodi Benson, Voice of Ariel, Was Born - WDW Magazine"