Jodi Benson | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Benson in 2023 | |
| Born | Jodi Marzorati (1961-10-10)October 10, 1961 (age 64)[1] Rockford, Illinois, U.S.[1] |
| Other names | Suzetta Miñet |
| Alma mater | Millikin University |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Disney Legend (2011) |
Jodi Benson (néeMarzorati; born October 10, 1961)[1] is an American actress and singer. She is best known for providing the voice ofAriel inDisney'sThe Little Mermaid (1989), as well as in itssequel,prequel, andtelevision series spin-off, along with many other Disney works. Benson is also known for her portrayal ofBarbie in thesecond andthird films of theToy Story franchise (1999, 2010), and in theToy Story Toons shortHawaiian Vacation (2011).
Benson was born and raised in a Catholic family.[2] She graduated fromBoylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, Illinois,[3] andMillikin University inDecatur, Illinois.[4] For her contributions to Disney, Benson was named a "Disney Legend" in 2011.[5]
Benson's other notable voice roles in Disney projects include Weebo inFlubber (1997),Belle (taking over forPaige O'Hara) inHouse of Mouse (2001–03), Lady (who was originally voiced byBarbara Luddy) inLady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure (2001) and Anita Radcliffe (originally voiced byLisa Davis) in101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure (2003); she also appeared as Sam in the live-action Disney filmEnchanted (2007). Outside of Disney, Benson's film credits includeDon Bluth'sThumbelina (1994),[6]Balto II: Wolf Quest (2002), andBalto III: Wings of Change (2004); on television, she voiced the character of Tula inHanna-Barbera'sThe Pirates of Dark Water (1991–93), and Jane Doe and Patsy Smiles inCartoon Network'sCamp Lazlo (2005–08). In video games, Benson provided the voice ofEVA in theMetal Gear series (2004–10).
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Benson made her debut in the 1983Kenny Ortega-directedMarilyn: An American Fable. She was introduced toAlan Menken around 1985,[7] during an audition for Kick, which never was produced.[8] Other Broadway credits include a starring role in the 1986 Broadway musicalSmile, where she introduced a song called "Disneyland". In 1987,Howard Ashman, the lyricist ofSmile, would go on to write the lyrics forThe Little Mermaid. She describes the song "Disneyland" at the "Smile" Reunion concert held on September 22, 2014, "This is the first piece of the puzzle of my life, the first step of the journey, so to speak".[citation needed] Benson also sings "Disneyland" on a compilation CD calledUnsung Musicals. In 1989, Benson appeared in the Broadway musical,Welcome to the Club, alongsideSamuel E. Wright, who performed the voice for Sebastian the Crab inThe Little Mermaid.
In 1992, Benson received aTony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Polly Baker inCrazy For You. She played the narrator inJoseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1998.
In 2004, Benson voiced the character of EVA in the video gameMetal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Due to her association with children-oriented projects, she was advised by voice directorKris Zimmerman to adopt apseudonym for the game; her credited name, "Suzetta Miñet", was coined by Zimmerman based on the name of Benson's pet dog during her childhood, Suzette Monet. For two decades after the game's release, Miñet's true identity was the subject of scrutiny and speculation among fans until Benson officially revealed her involvement during the promotion of the game's remake,Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, in November 2024.[9][10]
In 2004–06, Benson contributed as the host and narrator of the children's Christian home video series called "Baby Faith", created byIntegrity Publishers & FamilyTreeMedia.
In 2007, Benson played the secretary Sam in Disney's live-action/animated film,Enchanted.[11] Benson also played the Queen in a one-night concert version ofRodgers & Hammerstein'sCinderella at theNashville Symphony Orchestra in May 2010.[12]
Benson was at the 2012 SYTA conference singing her signature song "Part of Your World" on August 27, 2012.
Benson joined the "2013 Spring Pops" on May 14–15, 2013 as a guest soloist with theBoston Pops. She has been a frequent celebrity narrator atDisney's Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World, appearing most recently in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021.[13]
Benson can be heard on over a dozen recordings. Her animated TV series include the Emmy Award-winningCamp Lazlo forCartoon Network,The Little Mermaid,Batman Beyond,The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy,The Wild Thornberrys,Barbie,Hercules: Zero to Hero,P. J. Sparkles, and the seriesSofia the First for Disney.
On the concert stage, Benson has performed as a concert soloist with symphonies all over the world, including The Boston Pops, The Philly Pops (conductor: Peter Nero), The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra (conductor: John Mauceri), The National Symphony (conductor: Marvin Hamlisch), Cleveland, Dallas, Tokyo, and the San Francisco and Chicago Symphonies. She starred in the Kennedy Center Honors for Ginger Rogers, and inDisney's Premiere in Central Park with Pocahontas,The Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Spectacular andDisney's 100 Years of Magic. Benson is the resident guest soloist for the Walt Disney Company/Disney Cruise Line and ambassador for feature animation.
On June 6, 2016, Benson performed the role of Ariel at theHollywood Bowl's concert performance ofThe Little Mermaid.[14] She also made a special appearance in ABC's 2019 live musical spectacularThe Little Mermaid Live![15] Benson was originally going to reprise her role as Sam in the 2022 filmDisenchanted, but her scene was cut from the movie.[16] She recently lent her voice to Ariel in the 2022 video gameDisney Dreamlight Valley as well as singing as Ariel on various Disney Princess albums of the 2000s. From 1992 to 2011 she was the official voice of Barbie for Mattel and Pixar for projects such asToy Story andDance! Workout with Barbie, until the role was taken over byKate Higgins starting with the seriesLife in the Dreamhouse.
In June 2023, Benson starred as Mama Rose in a concert production ofGypsy alongside her daughter Delany at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall inFort Myers, Florida.[17][18] The two of them reprised their roles in a 2025 production at the OFC Creations Theatre Center inRochester, New York.[19][20] Benson portrayed Dolly Gallagher Levi in a concert production ofHello, Dolly! at theDr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts inOrlando, Florida from June 21-22, 2024.[21]
In late 1986, Benson first heard of the audition forThe Little Mermaid through lyricist and playwrightHoward Ashman. The two had just worked together in the Broadway showSmile until its run ended early. Ashman knew she would be the perfect fit for the role and that she would be a great replica of Ariel.[22][23] After hearing the demo for "Part of Your World", she sang a small part of it on tape where it was later sent to Disney executives. Before her audition forThe Little Mermaid, she was primarily a stage actress. It was Ashman's first Disney project. In early 1988, Benson won the role of Ariel and has been voicing her ever since.[22][24] Benson also made a cameo in the 2023live-action adaptation of the film, directed byRob Marshall, as a market vendor who hands Ariel (Halle Bailey) a fork during her tour of the kingdom.[25][26]
Benson dated actor Ray Benson while experiencing areligious conversion.[2] They got married in 1984,[27] and eventually had two children, a son (born 1999) and a daughter (born 2001).[28] An article originally published in 2013 said the couple "live north of Atlanta, GA."[29] In May 2024, Benson revealed to11 Alive News in connection with her upcoming appearance atMomoCon in Atlanta that she lives in theLake Lanier area.[30]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | The Little Mermaid | Ariel Vanessa (voice) | [31] |
| 1992 | Dance! Workout with Barbie | Barbie (voice) | Direct-to-video |
| 1994 | Thumbelina | Thumbelina (voice) | [31] |
| 1995 | Mickey's Fun Songs: Beach Party atWalt Disney World | Ariel (voice) | Direct-to-video |
| 1997 | Flubber | Weebo (voice) | [31] |
| A Christmas Carol | Belle (voice) | ||
| 1998 | The Mighty Kong | Ann Darrow (voice) | Direct-to-video[31] |
| 1999 | Toy Story 2 | Barbie (voice) | [31] |
| The Crippled Lamb | Abigail Laura Lamb Mary (voice) | Direct-to-video[31] | |
| 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[31] | |
| 2003 | 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure | Anita Radcliffe (voice) | Direct-to-video[31] |
| K10C: Kids' Ten Commandments | Leila Martha (voice) | [31] | |
| 2004 | Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind | Lastelle's Mother (voice) | English American version[31] |
| Balto III: Wings of Change | Jenna (voice) | Direct-to-video[31] | |
| 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[31] |
| 2010 | Toy Story 3 | Barbie (voice) | [31] |
| 2011 | The Little Engine That Could | Jillian (voice) | [31] |
| 2012 | Secret of the Wings | Healing-Talent Fairy (voice) | [31] |
| 2018 | Ralph Breaks the Internet | Ariel (voice) | [32][31] |
| 2023 | The Little Mermaid | Market Vendor | Cameo appearance[25] |
| Once Upon a Studio | Ariel (voice) | Short film[33][31] |
| 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[31] |
| 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"[31] |
| Batman Beyond | Aquagirl (voice) | Episode: "The Call"[31] | |
| 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[31] |
| 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[31] |
| 2011 | Toy Story Toons | Barbie (voice) | Episode: "Hawaiian Vacation"[31] |
| 2013, 2018 | Sofia the First | Ariel Queen Emmaline (voice) | 2 episodes[31] |
| 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 | Television 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) | Television special[31] |
| 2025 | Sweet Magnolias | Iris Maddox | Recurring role[34] |
| Lego Disney Princess: Villains Unite | Ariel (voice) | Television special |
| Year | Title | Voice role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Disney's Animated Storybook | Princess Ariel | |
| 1998 | A Bug's Life | Atta | ReplacingJulia Louis-Dreyfus[31] |
| 1999 | Disney's Arcade Frenzy | Princess Ariel | |
| 2000 | Grandia II | Millenia Reena | [31] |
| Disney's Aladdin in Nasira's Revenge | Nasira | ||
| 2002 | Kingdom Hearts | Princess Ariel | English American version |
| 2004 | Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater | EVA | English American version credited as "Suzetta Miñet"[35] |
| Onimusha 3: Demon Siege | Mother | [31] | |
| 2005 | Kingdom Hearts II | Princess Ariel | English American version |
| 2007 | Disney Princess: Enchanted Journey | ||
| 2010 | Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker | EVA | English American version Credited as "Suzetta Miñet" |
| 2011 | Kinect: Disneyland Adventures | Princess Ariel | |
| 2012 | Disney Princess: My Fairytale Adventure | ||
| 2022 | Disney Dreamlight Valley | [31] | |
| 2024 | Disney Speedstorm | ||
| Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater | EVA | English American version |
| Year | Title | Voice role |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Mickey's PhilharMagic | Princess Ariel |
| 2011 | The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure |
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | Ensemble[36] | |
| 1983 | Marilyn: An American Fable | Factory Girl Ensemble[36] | Broadway debut |
| 1984 | Sophisticated Ladies | Performer[36] | |
| 1986 | Smile | Doria Hudson[36] | |
| 1988 | Dangerous Music | Performer[37] | |
| 1989 | Welcome to the Club | Betty Bursteter[36] | |
| 1990 | Chess | Florence[38] | |
| 1992 | Crazy for You | Polly Baker[36] | |
| 1998 | Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | Narrator[39] | |
| 2025 | Gypsy | Mama Rose[40] |
| 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 songStarlight 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 |
| Year[a] | 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 |
I was born and raised in a Catholic environment, she has a sister. I would say it was a little more cultural than spiritual — a little bit more religious than relational. And I was drawing toward the Lord in middle school, but I didn't quite know how to have that personal relationship at the time. When I started dating my husband at 18, he introduced me to Christ, and asked, "Do you have a relationship with Jesus?" And I said, "I love Him, and I know He's the Son of God, but I don't think I have a relationship with Him — like I can talk to Him by myself without going through the priest and stuff." And so, I had a really big conversion when I was 19, and Ray is responsible for opening that relationship for me.
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