Jodi Benson
Jodi Benson is an American actress and singer who was the voice of Ariel in in Disney’s 1989 animated film The Little Mermaid. She was also the voice of Ariel for it’s following films and television spinoffs. She has also provided the voice characters in other popular animated films such as Thumbelina (1994), Flubber (1997), the Toy Story franchise (1999–2010) and Toy Story Toons short Hawaiian Vacation (2011). Other contributions include 101 Dalmatians II: Patch’s London Adventure, Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp’s Adventure, , Balto: Wolf Quest, Secret of the Wings, and Balto III: Wings of Change. In 2011, Jodi Benson was named a “Disney Legend” which is a Hall of Fame for people who have provided extraordinary contributions to The Walt Disney Company.
Benson’s career in the entertainment industry has seen numerous high-profile collaborations. The launch pad was Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, a duo whose significance in Benson’s career can’t be overstated. With Ashman and Menken, Benson voiced Ariel in Disney’s 1989 classic “The Little Mermaid,” earning her critical acclaim and solidifying her place as a Disney legend. This milestone collaboration saw Benson bring life to Ariel’s iconic songs, which garnered the film an Academy Award for Best Original Song with “Under the Sea.”
Benson’s work didn’t stop at the undersea kingdom of Atlantica. In 1997, she joined forces with another talented artist, Paige O’Hara, in the “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.” Here, Benson’s performance as the voice of Angelique added another layer to her Disney legacy. At the turn of the millennium, Benson then worked with animation giants Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise in “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” where she lent her voice to the character of Audrey Ramirez, showcasing her ability to embody characters outside her princess mold.
Her collaborations extend to the stage as well, particularly with director-choreographer Tommy Tune for the Broadway musical “Crazy for You.” This 1992 collaboration earned Benson a Tony Award nomination, a testament to her talents beyond the recording booth. Likewise, her stage work saw a memorable collaboration with another Broadway legend, Terrence Mann, in “Smile.”
Her later work saw an unexpected yet delightful partnership with John Lasseter in Pixar’s “Toy Story” franchise, where she voiced Barbie. This marked her journey into a new generation of animation, exhibiting her enduring relevance and adaptability in the evolving landscape of animated film.