Who is Delaney Benson?
Delaney Benson, a multi-talented artist, hails from Los Angeles but was brought up in North Georgia. She discovered her passion for singing and playing the piano when she was just 10 years old.
During her leisure time, she focuses on composing her songs, creating dance routines, practicing in the music rooms, and honing her piano abilities.
In 2023, Delaney graduated from the University of Cincinnati CCM with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and a minor in Psychology. Amidst the Pandemic, when theatre was not considered essential, Delaney shifted her attention to exploring human connections and the workings of the brain.
This change has greatly enhanced her relationships both on and off the stage. In her free time, Delaney enjoys hiking, playing guitar, indulging in reality TV, and triumphing in board games.
Some of her most cherished roles at CCM include playing Celeste #1 in Sunday In The Park With George, serving as Dance Captain and a member of the Ensemble in Something Rotten, being an understudy for all-female roles in Once, and performing as Swing in 42nd Street.
Delaney Benson has also appeared elsewhere as Kathy Selden in Singin’ In The Rain at The Carnegie in Covington, Kentucky, Gabrielle in Cinderella with the Red Mountain Theatre Co. in Birmingham, Alabama, Lucy Van Pelt in You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown and Phoebe D’ysquith in A Gentleman’s Guide To Love And Murder at Starlight Theatre in Rockford, Illinois.
Additionally, she has directed The Wolves with the Mosaic Theater Ensemble and has been a soloist with the Utah Symphony Orchestra.
Career
Delaney Benson is also famously recognized as Jodi Benson’s daughter. An American actress and singer, Jodi Benson gained fame for her role as the voice of Ariel in Disney’s 1989 animated movie The Little Mermaid. She has also lent her voice to other Disney productions such as its sequel, prequel, and TV spin-off.
In addition, Delaney Benson’s mother stepped in for Paige O’Hara as the voice of Belle in House of Mouse. Also, she lent her voice to the character Barbie in the second and third installments of the Toy Story series (1999-2010), as well as the Toy Story Toons mini-movie Hawaiian Vacation (2011). As a result of her work with Disney, Benson was honored with the title of Disney Legend in 2011.
Most parents hope to see their children pursue their aspirations. However, it is a different level of wish fulfillment to see them follow in their exact path. Three and a half decades ago, before becoming a wife or mother, Jodi Benson provided the voice for Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Presently, her daughter, Delaney Benson, is taking on that same role.
Delaney shared with Mamas Uncut that she will be portraying Ariel for Area Stage and Loxen Productions’ interactive version of The Little Mermaid at Area Stage in South Miami, from July 11 to Aug. 4. This is a part that she probably wouldn’t have accepted if it was offered to her a year ago.
On July 14, a video was shared on TikTok featuring a voice actress watching with pride as Delaney performed Ariel’s song “Part of Your World” for the audience. Delaney even gave her mother a loving nod during the performance. The video then shows Jodi cheering for her daughter and the rest of the cast at the end of the show.
