Jodi Benson

Jodi Benson
Benson in 2023
Born	Jodi Marie Marzorati (1961-10-10) October 10, 1961 (age 63)[1] Rockford, Illinois, U.S.[1]
Other names	Suzetta Miñet
Alma mater	Millikin University
Occupations	Actress singer
Years active	1982–present
Spouse	Ray Benson ​ (m. 1984)​
Children	2
Awards	Disney Legend (2011)

Jodi Benson (née Marzorati; born October 10, 1961)^[1] is an American actress and singer. She is best known for providing the voice of Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989), as well as in its its sequel, prequel, and television series spin-off, along with many other Disney works. She is also known for her portrayal of Barbie in the second and third films of the Toy Story franchise (1999–2010), and in the Toy Story Toons short Hawaiian Vacation (2011).

Her other notable voice roles in Disney projects include Weebo in Flubber (1997), Belle in House of Mouse (2001–03), Lady in Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure (2001) and Anita Radcliffe in 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure (2003); she also appeared as Sam in the live-action Disney film Enchanted (2007). Outside of Disney, Benson's film credits include Don Bluth's Thumbelina (1994),^[2] Balto II: Wolf Quest (2002), and Balto III: Wings of Change (2004); on television, she voiced the character of Tula in Hanna-Barbera's The Pirates of Dark Water (1991–93), and Jane Doe and Patsy Smiles in Cartoon Network's Camp Lazlo (2005–08). In video games, she provided the voice of EVA in the Metal Gear series (2004–10).

For her contributions to Disney, Benson was named a Disney Legend in 2011.^[3]

Personal life

Benson was born and raised in a Catholic family,^[4] graduating from Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, Illinois,^[5] and Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.^[6]

She experienced a religious conversion while dating actor/singer Ray Benson (not to be confused with frontman Ray Benson of Asleep at the Wheel).^[4] The two of them later married in 1984,^[7] and eventually had two children, a son (born 1999) and a daughter (born 2001).^[8] An article originally published in 2013 by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said the couple "live north of Atlanta, GA."^[9] In May 2024, Benson revealed to 11 Alive News in connection with her upcoming appearance at MomoCon in Atlanta that she lives in the Lake Lanier area.^[10]

Career

Benson made her debut in the 1983 Kenny Ortega-directed Marilyn: An American Fable. Other Broadway credits include a starring role in the 1986 Broadway musical Smile, where she introduced a song called "Disneyland". In 1987, Howard Ashman, the lyricist of Smile, would go on to write the lyrics for The 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 called Unsung Musicals. In 1989, Benson appeared in the Broadway musical, Welcome to the Club, alongside Samuel E. Wright, who performed the voice for Sebastian the Crab in The Little Mermaid.

In 1992, Benson received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her role as Polly Baker in Crazy For You. She played the narrator in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in 1998.

In 2004, Benson voiced the character of EVA in the video game Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Due to her association with children-oriented projects, she was advised by voice director Kris Zimmerman to adopt a pseudonym 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.^[11][12]

In 2004–06, Benson contributed as the host and narrator of the children's Christian home video series called "Baby Faith", created by Integrity Publishers & FamilyTreeMedia.

In 2007, she played the secretary Sam in Disney's live-action/animated film, Enchanted.^[13] Benson also played the Queen in a one-night concert version of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella at the Nashville Symphony Orchestra in May 2010.^[14]

She was at the 2012 SYTA conference singing her signature song "Part of Your World" on August 27, 2012.

She joined the "2013 Spring Pops" on May 14–15, 2013 as a guest soloist with the Boston Pops. Benson has been a frequent celebrity narrator at Disney's Candlelight Processional at Walt Disney World, appearing most recently in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2021.^[15]

Benson can be heard on over a dozen recordings. Her animated TV series include the Emmy Award-winning Camp Lazlo for Cartoon 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 series Sofia 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 in Disney's Premiere in Central Park with Pocahontas, The Walt Disney World 25th Anniversary Spectacular and Disney'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 the Hollywood Bowl's concert performance of The Little Mermaid.^[16] She also made a special appearance in ABC's 2019 live musical spectacular The Little Mermaid Live!^[17] Benson was originally going to reprise her role as Sam in the 2022 film Disenchanted, but her scene was cut from the movie.^[18] She recently lent her voice to Ariel in the 2022 video game Disney 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 as Toy Story and Dance! Workout with Barbie, until the role was taken over by Kate Higgins starting with the series Life in the Dreamhouse.

In June 2023, Benson starred as Mama Rose in a concert production of Gypsy alongside her daughter Delany at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, Florida.^[19][20] The two of them will reprise their roles in a production at the OFC Creations Theatre Center in Rochester, New York.^[21] Benson has been announced to portray Dolly Gallagher Levi in a concert production of Hello, Dolly! at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida from June 21-22, 2024.^[22]

The Little Mermaid

Benson performing "Part of Your World" at the 2022 Phoenix Fan Fusion

In late 1986, Benson first heard of the audition for The Little Mermaid through lyricist and playwright Howard Ashman. The two had just worked together in the Broadway show Smile until its run ended early. He knew she would be the perfect fit for the role and that she would be a great replica of Ariel.^[23][24] 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 for The 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.^[23][25] She also made a cameo in the 2023 live-action adaptation of the film, directed by Rob Marshall, as a market vendor who hands Ariel (Halle Bailey) a fork during her tour of the kingdom.^[26][27]

Filmography

Film

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1989	The Little Mermaid	Ariel, Vanessa (voice)	[28]
1992	Dance! Workout with Barbie	Barbie (voice)	Direct-to-video
1994	Thumbelina	Thumbelina (voice)	[28]
1995	Mickey's Fun Songs: Beach Party at Walt Disney World	Ariel (voice)	Direct-to-video
	Guideposts Junction	Herself	A six-part Christian video series for children
1997	Flubber	Weebo (voice)	[28]
	A Christmas Carol	Belle (voice)
1998	The Mighty Kong	Ann Darrow (voice)	Direct-to-video[28]
1999	Toy Story 2	Barbie (voice)	[28]
	The Crippled Lamb	Abigail, Laura Lamb, Mary (voice)	Direct-to-video[28]
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[28]
2003	101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure	Anita Radcliffe (voice)	Direct-to-video[28]
	K10C: Kids' Ten Commandments	Leila, Martha (voice)	[28]
2004	Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind	Lastelle's Mother (voice)	English dub[28]
	Balto III: Wings of Change	Jenna (voice)	Direct-to-video[28]
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[28]
2010	Toy Story 3	Barbie (voice)	[28]
2011	The Little Engine That Could	Jillian (voice)	[28]
2012	Secret of the Wings	Healing-Talent Fairy (voice)	[28]
2018	Ralph Breaks the Internet	Ariel (voice)	[29][28]
2023	The Little Mermaid	Market Vendor	Cameo[26]
	Once Upon a Studio	Ariel (voice)	Short film[30][28]

Television

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[28]
1992–1994	The Little Mermaid	Princess Ariel (voice)	31 episodes
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"[28]
	Batman Beyond	Aquagirl (voice)	Episode: "The Call"[28]
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[28]
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[28]
2011	Toy Story Toons	Barbie (voice)	Episode: "Hawaiian Vacation"[28]
2013–2018	Sofia the First	Ariel, Queen Emmaline (voice)	2 episodes[28]
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[28]

Video games

Year	Title	Voice role	Notes
1997	Ariel's Story Studio	Princess Ariel
1998	A Bug's Life	Atta	Replacing Julia Louis-Dreyfus[28]
1999	Disney's Arcade Frenzy	Princess Ariel
2000	Grandia II	Millenia, Reena	[28]
	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"[31]
	Onimusha 3: Demon Siege	Mother	[28]
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		[28]
2024	Disney Speedstorm
	Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater	EVA	English dub

Theme parks

Year	Title	Role	Notes
2003	Mickey's PhilharMagic	Princess Ariel	Voice role
2011	The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Undersea Adventure

Stage

Year	Title	Role(s)	Notes
1982	Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat	Ensemble[32]
1983	Marilyn: An American Fable	Factory Girl, Ensemble[32]	Broadway debut
1984	Sophisticated Ladies	Performer[32]
1986	Smile	Doria Hudson[32]
1988	Dangerous Music	Performer[33]
1989	Welcome to the Club	Betty Bursteter[32]
1990	Chess	Florence[34]
1992	Crazy for You	Polly Baker[32]
1998	Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat	Narrator[35]

Discography

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 nominations

Awards and nominations

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

References

1. "Jodi Benson". Hollywood.com. Archived from the original on October 14, 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
2. "GETTING ALONG SWIMMINGLY". January 10, 1992. Retrieved June 17, 2019 – via www.washingtonpost.com.
3. "Video: Disney Princess voices, Regis Philbin, Hensons accept their Disney Legends awards at the 2011 D23 Expo". Inside the Magic. August 26, 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2013.
4. Gaither, Gloria (August 1, 2011). "Part Of Her World: Jodi Benson". Homecoming Magazine. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 3, 2016. 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.
5. Braun, Georgette. "Little Mermaid star at Boylan fundraiser April 17". Rockford Register Star. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
6. Cain, Tim. "100 reason: Original Ariel voice launched from Millikin". Decatur Herald & Review. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
7. Breslauer, Jan (December 10, 1995). "Just Like a Fish to Water : Jodi Benson made a splash as the voice of Ariel in 'The Little Mermaid,' but she's really hitting her stride in musicals". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
8. Truitt, Brian (October 2, 2013). "'Little Mermaid' star Jodi Benson loves life as Ariel". USA Today. Retrieved June 1, 2016.
9. Jothen, Tiffany (November 17, 2014). "Little Mermaid, Big Faith". Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
10. Richards, Makayla; Nunez, Gabriella; Winters, Akilah (May 16, 2024). "'Ariel is alive and well': Jodi Benson speaks about what's next ahead of Atlanta's Momocon". 11 Alive News. Retrieved August 26, 2024.
11. Konami (November 6, 2024). METAL GEAR SOLID Legacy Series Part 3 | ft. David Hayter. Retrieved November 6, 2024 – via YouTube.
12. Warren, Mark (November 6, 2024). "Ahead of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami finally puts MGS3's Suzetta Miñet mystery to bed with a confirmed answer". VG247. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
13. Susman, Gary (November 20, 2017). "17 Things You Never Knew About Disney's 'Enchanted'". Movie Fone. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
14. Ellis, Jeffrey. "Headley, Mauzey, Benson Lead Starry Lineup for CINDERELLA, 5/14". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
15. DisneyParksBlog Candlelight Narrators Revealedaccessed 08-18-2023
16. JODI BENSON TO REPRISE HER ROLE AS ARIEL IN ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE OF THE LITTLE MERMAID: LIVE IN CONCERT Oh My Disney, Retrieved June 8, 2016
17. Coffey, Kelly (November 2, 2019). "Jodi Benson, original voice of Ariel, to appear in ABC's "The Little Mermaid Live!"". Inside the Magic. Retrieved November 2, 2019.
18. Anthony D'Alessandro (November 16, 2022). "'Disenchanted' Producer Barry Josephson On Why 'Enchanted' Sequel Went Straight To Disney+ – Crew Call Podcast". Crew Call with Anthony D'Alessandro (Podcast). Penske Media Corporation. Retrieved May 25, 2023.
19. Jodi Benson and Daughter Delaney Benson Will Lead Production of GYPSY in Florida Broadway World, January 23, 2023
20. [https://www.facebook.com/JodiBensonOfficial/posts/817542906399407/?paipv=0&eav=AfZkI3UdosLcfZydqpX79exw-D_8X-fnjqa3p6yRsIj0Xs2X8CoTcQPZLRvXJE6oQTg&_rdr Gypsy🌹March 2023 Lots of love & thanks to our incredible family, friends, brilliant cast & creative team! I love you all❤️] Facebook, June 22, 2023
21. Jodi Benson To Star In GYPSY Alongside Daughter, Delaney Benson, at OFC Creations Theatre Center Broadway World, May 10, 2024
22. Jodi Benson to Star in Hello, Dolly! in 2024 Playbill, December 5, 2023
23. "An Interview with Jodi Benson, Voice of Ariel". blogs.disney.com. Disney Insider. 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
24. Truitt, Brian (October 2, 2013). "'Little Mermaid' star Jodi Benson loves life as Ariel". USA Today. Retrieved June 28, 2015.
25. "Jodi Benson: 25 Years Of Voicing Ariel". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved June 17, 2019.
26. Sharf, Zack (May 12, 2023). "When Ariel Met Ariel: Halle Bailey Got Jodi Benson's 'Stamp of Approval' on 'Little Mermaid' Set and Was Told to 'Just Go for It'". Variety. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
27. Kickham, Dylan (June 5, 2023). "THE ORIGINAL ARIEL HAD A CAMEO IN THE NEW LITTLE MERMAID & IT'S A PERF EASTER EGG". Elite Daily. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
28. "Jodi Benson (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved October 10, 2024. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
29. Breznican, Anthony (July 14, 2017). "Wreck-It Ralph sequel will unite the Disney princesses, Star Wars — and Taraji P. Henson!". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
30. @Attractions (September 10, 2023). "We just saw a new animated short at #DestinationD23 called Once Upon a Studio featuring tons of characters from past Disney Animated films. It was so good, the creators got a one minute standing ovation when it ended" (Tweet). Retrieved September 15, 2023 – via Twitter.
31. Warren, Mark (November 6, 2024). "Ahead of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, Konami finally puts MGS3's Suzetta Miñet mystery to bed with a confirmed answer". VG247. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
32. "Jodi Benson – Broadway Cast & Staff | IBDB". www.ibdb.com. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
33. "Ken Mandelbaum's MUSICALS ON DISC: Henry Krieger and Side Show". Playbill. December 14, 1997. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
34. "STAGE REVIEW : Checkered 'Chess' Is No Grandmaster but It Has Flash". Los Angeles Times. October 11, 1990. Retrieved April 4, 2021.
35. "Osmond Second Generation Joseph Tour to End Sept. 27". Playbill. September 27, 1998. Retrieved April 4, 2021.

External links

• Jodi Benson at IMDb
• Jodi Benson at the TCM Movie Database
• Jodi Benson at the Internet Broadway Database
• Jodi Benson at the Disney Legends Website
• Performance Working in the Theatre seminar video at American Theatre Wing.org, April 1992