Jodi Benson
Jodi Benson is a singer and actor whose voice brings Ariel to life in The Little Mermaid, with a career spanning Broadway, film soundtracks and concerts.
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Latest
Jodi’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus her backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Disney
Disney / Pixar
BroadwayOverview
- From
- Rockford, Illinois, USA
- Born
- October 10, 1961
- Work
- Singer, actor and voice actor
- Breakout
- Ariel in The Little Mermaid (1989)
- Broadway milestone
- Tony nomination for Crazy for You (1992)
- Disney honor
- Disney Legend, class of 2011
Mini bio
How it started.
Jodi grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and began singing at five. At Millikin University, she changed direction from law to musical theatre. Her Broadway debut came in Marilyn: An American Fable in 1983, followed by Smile, where she introduced the song “Disneyland.”
Becoming Ariel.
The Little Mermaid made Jodi the speaking and singing voice of Ariel in 1989. Fans know that voice through “Part of Your World,” and she has continued the role across sequels, television, recordings and games.
On stage and on screen.
She originated Polly Baker in Broadway’s Crazy for You, earning a 1992 Tony nomination. Her screen work includes Barbie in Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3, Weebo in Flubber, and appearances in Enchanted and the live-action The Little Mermaid. Her concert career has taken her to Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl and symphony stages.
Sharing her story.
Her 2022 memoir Part of My World, written with Carol Traver, looks back at Broadway, Disney, faith and family. Recent work includes Iris Maddox in Sweet Magnolias, new performances as Ariel, and a return to theatre in Pen Pals and Into the Woods.
Creditschronological, newest first
Film and television
- 2026LEGO Disney Princess: Magical MayhemAriel, voice
- 2026Sweet Magnolias, season 5Iris Maddox
- 2025LEGO Disney Princess: Villains UniteAriel, voice
- 2025Sweet Magnolias, season 4Iris Maddox
- 2010Toy Story 3Barbie, voice
- 1989The Little MermaidAriel, speaking and singing voice
Theatre
- 2026Into the WoodsThe Witch, Dr. Phillips Center
- 2026Pen PalsBernie, Off-Broadway
- 1992Crazy for YouPolly Baker, original Broadway cast
Books
- 2022Part of My WorldAuthor, with Carol Traver
Awards
Quotes
My goal was to do Broadway musicals. Voice acting was something I didn’t know anything about!Jodi Benson, Disney Legends biography
Looking back on auditioning for The Little Mermaid and her early ambitions as a stage performer.
Trivia
- Her son and daughter-in-law helped create and photograph the cover of Part of My World.
- “Part of Your World” plays in the background during her scenes in Enchanted.
- She has performed with her husband, Ray Benson, in the European premiere of My One and Only.
Find Jodi
Follow Jodi for performances, Disney memories and news from the stage.
Are you Jodi Benson?
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