Jodi Benson is an Emmy-nominated singer and actress, beloved as the voice of Disney’s Ariel, and known for bringing charm and warmth to characters like Barbie (Toy Story) and Thumbelina.
Early Life & Education
Jodi Marie Benson was born on October 10, 1961, in Rockford, Illinois, and raised in a Catholic household. She attended Boylan Central Catholic High School and earned her BFA in musical theater from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.
Following college, she debuted on Broadway in Marilyn: An American Fable in 1983 and performed in musicals like Smile, Crazy for You (earning a Tony nomination), and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Career (400–500 words)
Jodi Benson’s career is defined by iconic voice roles, Broadway roots, and lasting impact on family entertainment. Benson’s most iconic role came as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (1989), where she provided both Ariel’s speaking and singing voice.
She also voiced Vanessa, the mermaid-turned-princess disguise of villain Ursula. Her performance earned her induction as a Disney Legend in 2011.
She later reprised Ariel in live performances, such as the Hollywood Bowl in 2016 and the live‐action special The Little Mermaid Live! in 2019, and continues to voice Ariel in projects like Disney Dreamlight Valley.
Beyond Ariel, Benson voiced Barbie in Toy Story 2 and 3 (1999 onward), Thumbelina in the Don Bluth film, Weebo in Flubber, Lady in Lady and the Tramp II, and Helen of Troy in the Hercules TV series.
Before and alongside her voice work, she maintained a strong musical theater career, featuring in Broadway musicals like Crazy for You (Tony-nominated) and concert performances worldwide.
She’s also appeared on screen—most notably as Sam, the assistant in Disney’s Enchanted, bringing playful nods to her Disney heritage.
In recent years, Benson has continued her stage legacy: performing as Mama Rose in Gypsy with her daughter in 2023 and reprising the role in 2025; and starring as Dolly Gallagher Levi in Hello, Dolly! in 2024.
Across four decades, Jodi Benson’s voice and performance have captivated multiple generations, evolving gracefully while staying true to her musical theater roots.
Personal Life
Jodi Benson married actor–singer Ray Benson in 1984, and they live north of Atlanta, Georgia. The couple has two children, a son born in 1999 and a daughter born in 2001, who have shared the stage with her, most notably in Gypsy performances.
She frequently serves as a guest soloist for Disney events, including cruise-line shows and spectacular live performances.
Net Worth
Jodi Benson’s estimated net worth is $5 million. This sum reflects her legacy as a voice icon, her longstanding Broadway and concert appearances, and recurring Disney collaborations.
