Jodi Benson

Jodi Benson, born on October tenth, nineteen sixty-one, is a celebrated American actress and singer renowned for her versatile talents across various entertainment mediums. She is perhaps best known for her iconic role as Ariel in Disney's animated classic, The Little Mermaid, released in nineteen eighty-nine, and has reprised this beloved character in its sequel, prequel, and television series spin-off. Her contributions to Disney have earned her the prestigious title of 'Disney Legend' in two thousand eleven.

Raised in a Catholic family, Benson's early education took place at Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford, Illinois, followed by her graduation from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Her career is marked by a series of notable voice roles, including Barbie in the Toy Story franchise, where she lent her voice to the character in the second and third films, as well as in the Toy Story Toons short, Hawaiian Vacation.

Beyond her Disney work, Benson has showcased her voice talent in various projects, such as Weebo in Flubber, Belle in House of Mouse, and Lady in Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure. She also voiced Anita Radcliffe in 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure and appeared as Sam in the live-action Disney film Enchanted. Her extensive filmography includes roles in Don Bluth's Thumbelina, Balto II: Wolf Quest, and Balto III: Wings of Change.

On television, Benson's voice can be heard as Tula in Hanna-Barbera's The Pirates of Dark Water and as Jane Doe and Patsy Smiles in Cartoon Network's Camp Lazlo. Additionally, she contributed her voice to the Metal Gear video game series under the pseudonym Suzetta Miñet, further showcasing her diverse range as a voice actor.