Jodi Benson Celebrates 35 Years of The Little Mermaid’s Ariel with Personal Reflections

Original voice actress Jodi Benson recently shared intimate insights about playing Disney’s Ariel. She spoke at New York Comic-Con, marking 35 years since The Little Mermaid premiered. Her reflections reveal a deep, personal connection to the iconic character.

Benson highlighted the traits she shares with the spirited redhead. Her comments provide a fresh look at the beloved animated film’s legacy. This comes as Disney’s princess continues to captivate new generations of fans.

A Shared Spirit of Tenacity and Independence

When asked about common traits, Benson immediately pointed to “tenacity.” She explained that Ariel’s relentless drive resonated with her personally. The character’s refusal to accept “no” for an answer was inspiring.

Benson also praised Ariel’s independent spirit. She acknowledged this could sometimes be seen as rebelliousness. The actress connected with this desire for freedom and self-determination.

However, one story element was personally challenging. Benson revealed she had no relationship with her own father after age 11. Portraying Ariel’s deep bond with King Triton required extra effort.

She credited co-star Kenneth Mars, who voiced Triton, for his help. According to Benson, Mars helped her build an authentic father-daughter dynamic on screen. This collaboration was crucial for the film’s emotional core.

The Enduring Legacy of an Animated Icon

The Little Mermaid‘s 1989 release was a turning point for Disney Animation. The film is widely credited with reviving the studio’s animated feature fortunes. Ariel became an instant and enduring symbol of curiosity and courage.

Benson’s portrayal remains the definitive voice for millions. Her work set a high standard for character and song performance in animation. The role cemented her place in Disney history.

The character’s popularity persists across merchandise, theme parks, and a recent live-action adaptation. Benson’s latest reflections remind us why Ariel’s story still feels fresh. It is a tale of determination that continues to find new audiences.

Jodi Benson’s heartfelt connection to Ariel explains why The Little Mermaid remains a timeless classic. Her insights offer a unique window into the creation of an icon. The character’s spirit clearly continues to inspire, both on and off the screen.

A quick knowledge drop for you

Q1: Who originally voiced Ariel in *The Little Mermaid*?

Jodi Benson provided the speaking and singing voice for Ariel in the original 1989 animated film. She has been synonymous with the character for over three decades, reprising the role in various sequels and projects.

Q2: What trait does Jodi Benson say she shares most with Ariel?

Benson identifies most with Ariel’s tenacity. She admires how the character perseveres and keeps moving forward despite obstacles and closed doors.

Q3: How did Benson handle Ariel’s relationship with her father, King Triton?

Since Benson lacked a relationship with her own father, she found that aspect challenging. She credited actor Kenneth Mars, who voiced King Triton, for helping her create a believable and emotional father-daughter connection for the film.

Q4: Why is *The Little Mermaid* (1989) considered so important for Disney?

The film is considered the start of the Disney Renaissance. Its massive critical and commercial success revived the studio’s animated feature department and led to a string of hit films throughout the 1990s.

Q5: Has Jodi Benson voiced Ariel in other projects?

Yes. Beyond the original film, Benson has voiced Ariel in the sequel *The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea*, the prequel *The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning*, numerous video games, and TV series like *House of Mouse*. She also had a cameo in the 2023 live-action remake.