Jodi Benson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jodi Benson
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Benson in 2023
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| Born |
Jodi Marzorati
October 10, 1961 Rockford, Illinois, U.S.
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| Other names | Suzetta Miñet |
| Alma mater | Millikin University |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1982–present |
| Spouse(s) |
Ray Benson
(m. 1984) |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Disney Legend (2011) |
Jodi Benson (born October 10, 1961) is an American actress and singer. She is famous for being the voice of Ariel in Disney's classic movie The Little Mermaid (1989). She also voiced Ariel in the movie's sequels, prequel, and TV show.
Besides Ariel, Jodi Benson voiced Barbie in Toy Story 2 (1999) and Toy Story 3 (2010). She also played Barbie in the short film Hawaiian Vacation (2011). Her other Disney voice roles include Weebo in Flubber (1997) and Lady in Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure (2001). She even appeared as a real person named Sam in the Disney movie Enchanted (2007).
Outside of Disney, she voiced Thumbelina in Thumbelina (1994). She was also Tula in The Pirates of Dark Water (1991–93) and Patsy Smiles in Camp Lazlo (2005–08). In video games, she voiced EVA in the Metal Gear series. In 2011, Jodi Benson was named a Disney Legend for her amazing work with Disney.
Contents
Becoming Ariel
In 1986, Jodi Benson learned about auditions for The Little Mermaid. This was through Howard Ashman, who wrote songs for the movie. They had worked together on a Broadway show called Smile. Howard thought Jodi would be perfect for Ariel.
Jodi recorded a small part of the song "Part of Your World" and sent it to Disney. Before this, she mostly acted on stage. In early 1988, Jodi won the role of Ariel. She has been voicing Ariel ever since! She even had a small role in the 2023 live-action The Little Mermaid movie. She played a market vendor who gives Ariel a fork.
Her Career Journey
Jodi Benson started her acting career on Broadway. Her first show was Marilyn: An American Fable in 1983. She also starred in the musical Smile in 1986. In that show, she sang a song called "Disneyland." Howard Ashman, who wrote the lyrics for Smile, later wrote the songs for The Little Mermaid.
In 1992, Jodi was nominated for a Tony Award. This award is a big honor for Broadway actors. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in Crazy For You.
Voice Acting in Video Games
In 2004, Jodi voiced a character named EVA in the video game Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Because she usually worked on projects for kids, her voice director told her to use a different name. She used the name "Suzetta Miñet." This name came from her childhood pet dog. For many years, fans wondered who Suzetta Miñet was. In 2024, Jodi finally told everyone that it was her!
Other Projects
Jodi Benson has performed as a soloist with many famous orchestras around the world. These include The Boston Pops and The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. She is also a special guest soloist for The Walt Disney Company. She often narrates the Disney's Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World.
In 2016, she performed as Ariel in a concert version of The Little Mermaid at the Hollywood Bowl. She also appeared in ABC's live TV musical The Little Mermaid Live! in 2019. From 1992 to 2011, she was the official voice of Barbie for Mattel and Pixar. She voiced Barbie in Toy Story movies and other projects.
In 2023, Jodi Benson starred in a musical called Gypsy with her daughter. They played mother and daughter roles in the show.
Her Life Outside of Work
Jodi Benson grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She went to Boylan Central Catholic High School and Millikin University.
She married actor and singer Ray Benson in 1984. They have two children, a son born in 1999 and a daughter born in 2001. Jodi and her family live near Atlanta, Georgia.
What Else Has She Done?
Movies and TV Shows
Jodi Benson has voiced characters in many movies and TV shows. Here are some of them:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | The Little Mermaid | Ariel, Vanessa (voice) | |
| 1992 | Dance! Workout with Barbie | Barbie (voice) | Direct-to-video |
| 1994 | Thumbelina | Thumbelina (voice) | |
| 1995 | Mickey's Fun Songs: Beach Party at Walt Disney World | Ariel (voice) | Direct-to-video |
| 1997 | Flubber | Weebo (voice) | |
| A Christmas Carol | Belle (voice) | ||
| 1998 | The Mighty Kong | Ann Darrow (voice) | Direct-to-video |
| 1999 | Toy Story 2 | Barbie (voice) | |
| The Crippled Lamb | Abigail, Laura Lamb, Mary (voice) | Direct-to-video | |
| 2000 | The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea | Ariel (voice) | |
| Joseph: King of Dreams | Asenath (voice) | ||
| 2001 | Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure | Lady (voice) | |
| 2002 | Balto: Wolf Quest | Jenna (voice) | |
| Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe In Santa | Lenee (voice) | Television film | |
| 2003 | 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure | Anita Radcliffe (voice) | Direct-to-video |
| K10C: Kids' Ten Commandments | Leila, Martha (voice) | ||
| 2004 | Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind | Lastelle's Mother (voice) | English dub |
| Balto III: Wings of Change | Jenna (voice) | Direct-to-video | |
| 2004-2006 | Baby Faith: God Made Me (video series) | Herself (narrator) | Integrity Publishing |
| 2007 | Enchanted | Sam | |
| 2008 | The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning | Ariel (voice) | Direct-to-video |
| 2010 | Toy Story 3 | Barbie (voice) | |
| 2011 | The Little Engine That Could | Jillian (voice) | |
| 2012 | Secret of the Wings | Healing-Talent Fairy (voice) | |
| 2018 | Ralph Breaks the Internet | Ariel (voice) | |
| 2023 | The Little Mermaid | Market Vendor | Cameo |
| Once Upon a Studio | Ariel (voice) | Short film |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Hunter | Police officer | Episode: "Cries of Silence" |
| 1991–1993 | The Pirates of Dark Water | Tula (voice) | 21 episodes |
| 1992 | P. J. Sparkles | P.J. (voice) | Television special |
| 1992–1994 | The Little Mermaid | Princess Ariel (voice) | 31 episodes |
| 1995–1996 | Guideposts Junction | Herself | A six-park Christian video series for children |
| 1997 | Caroline in the City | Mother | Episode: "Caroline and the Egg" |
| 1998 | Pepper Ann | Amber O'Malley (voice) | Episode: "Green Eyed Monster" |
| 1998–1999 | Hercules | Helen of Troy (voice) | 10 episodes |
| 2000 | The Wild Thornberrys | Mother Cheetah (voice) | Episode: "Cheetahs Never Prosper" |
| Batman Beyond | Aquagirl (voice) | Episode: "The Call" | |
| 2001–2003 | House of Mouse | Ariel, Belle (voice) | 3 episodes |
| 2003 | The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire | Choir Soloist | Episode: "Sleeping Lions" |
| 2003–2004 | Duck Dodgers | Captain Tortelli, Princess Incense (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 2004–2006 | The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy | Blue Fairy, additional voices | 3 episodes |
| 2005–2008 | Camp Lazlo | Patsy Smiles, Ms. Jane Doe, Almondine (voice) | 21 episodes |
| 2011 | Toy Story Toons | Barbie (voice) | Episode: "Hawaiian Vacation" |
| 2013–2018 | Sofia the First | Ariel, Queen Emmaline (voice) | 2 episodes |
| 2015 | Star vs. the Forces of Evil | Singing Teacher (voice) | Episode: "St. Olga's Reform School for Wayward Princesses" |
| 2016 | Clarence | Diana (voice) | Episode: "The Tails of Mardrynia" |
| 2019 | The Little Mermaid Live! | Herself | TV special |
| 2022–present | The Wingfeather Saga | Nia Igiby/Wingfeather (voice) | Main role |
| 2022 | The Loud House | Tammy Gobblesworth (voice) | Episode: “Flip This Flip” |
| 2023 | Lego Disney Princess: The Castle Quest | Princess Ariel (voice) | TV special |
Video Games and Theme Parks
Jodi Benson has also lent her voice to many video games and theme park attractions.
| Year | Title | Voice role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Ariel's Story Studio | Princess Ariel | |
| 1998 | A Bug's Life | Atta | Replacing Julia Louis-Dreyfus |
| 1999 | Disney's Arcade Frenzy | Princess Ariel | |
| 2000 | Grandia II | Millenia, Reena | |
| Disney's Aladdin in Nasira's Revenge | Nasira | ||
| 2002 | Kingdom Hearts | Princess Ariel | English dub |
| 2004 | Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater | EVA | English dub, credited as "Suzetta Miñet" |
| Onimusha 3: Demon Siege | Mother | ||
| 2005 | Kingdom Hearts II | Princess Ariel | English dub |
| 2007 | Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey | ||
| 2010 | Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker | EVA | English dub, credited as "Suzetta Miñet" |
| 2011 | Kinect Disneyland Adventures | Princess Ariel | |
| 2012 | Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure | ||
| 2022 | Disney Dreamlight Valley | ||
| 2024 | Disney Speedstorm | ||
| Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater | EVA | English dub |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Mickey's PhilharMagic | Princess Ariel | Voice role |
| 2011 | The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure |
On the Stage
Here are some of the stage shows Jodi Benson has been a part of:
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | Ensemble | |
| 1983 | Marilyn: An American Fable | Factory Girl, Ensemble | Broadway debut |
| 1984 | Sophisticated Ladies | Performer | |
| 1986 | Smile | Doria Hudson | |
| 1988 | Dangerous Music | Performer | |
| 1989 | Welcome to the Club | Betty Bursteter | |
| 1990 | Chess | Florence | |
| 1992 | Crazy for You | Polly Baker | |
| 1998 | Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | Narrator | |
| 2025 | Gypsy | Mama Rose |
Her Music Albums
Jodi Benson has also recorded music albums, often featuring songs from her famous roles:
| Year | Album | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1989 | The Little Mermaid: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | |
| 1990 | Sebastian from The Little Mermaid | |
| 1991 | Precious Moments: Timmy's Gift | Performed the song Starlight Theme |
| Jodi Benson Sings Songs From the Beginner's Bible I | ||
| 1992 | Jodi Benson Sings Songs From the Beginner's Bible II | |
| The Little Mermaid: Songs from the Sea | ||
| Crazy for You Cast Recording | ||
| 1993 | The Little Mermaid: Splash Hits | |
| 1994 | Unsung Musicals | |
| Thumbelina: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack | ||
| 1995 | Songs of Guideposts Junction | |
| 1996 | Hollywood Christmas | Various artists |
| 2000 | Songs from The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea & More! | |
| 2004 | Disney Princess: The Ultimate Song Collection | |
| Disney Princess Music Hits | ||
| 2005 | Disney's Princess Christmas Album | |
| Disney Princess Tea Party | ||
| 2006 | Ultimate Disney Princess |
Awards and Recognitions
Jodi Benson has received several awards for her work:
| Year | Award | Category | Title | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Tony Award | Best Actress in a Musical | Crazy For You | Nominated |
| 2001 | Annie Awards | Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Feature Production | Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure | Nominated |
| 2011 | Disney Legend Award | Animation – Voice | The Little Mermaid | Won |
| 2011 | EDA Female Focus Awards | Best Animated Female | Toy Story 3 | Nominated |
See also
In Spanish: Jodi Benson para niños
