Jodi Benson is a name that instantly rings a bell for fans of classic Disney animation. Best known as the voice behind one of the most beloved princesses in cinematic history, Jodi Benson brought Ariel from The Little Mermaid to life—both speaking and singing. Her heartfelt performance of “Part of Your World” remains iconic, often cited as a defining moment in Disney’s musical legacy. And really, when you think about it, few voice actresses have left such a lasting impression quite like Jodi Benson did with that role.
But long before she became synonymous with Ariel, Jodi Benson was already making waves on Broadway. She wasn’t just dipping her toes into the entertainment world—she was fully immersed, earning a Tony Award nomination for her stage work. Interestingly, one of her early collaborations was with lyricist Howard Ashman, a creative force who would later shape the songs of The Little Mermaid. That connection, looking back, almost feels like fate.
Throughout the 1990s, Jodi Benson stayed incredibly active in voice acting, often portraying princesses and other strong female leads in direct-to-video films and animated TV series—many of which were under the Disney umbrella. It was clear that studios trusted her to carry the emotional weight of these characters, and audiences responded warmly to her performances.
In 1997, however, Jodi Benson stepped outside her usual realm by voicing Weebo, the lovable robot assistant in Flubber. It was a fun departure—a more mechanical, quirky character compared to the graceful heroines she was known for—and showed her range beyond fairy tale royalty. Then, years later, in a clever nod to her own legacy, Jodi Benson appeared in the live-action Enchanted as “Sam,” an assistant to Patrick Dempsey’s character’s assistant. The role was small but memorable, offering a playful wink to her status as a Disney icon.
And let’s not forget her role as Barbie in Toy Story 2—a casting choice that felt both unexpected and perfect. Jodi Benson returned for Toy Story 3, where Barbie got even more screen time and depth. It was another example of how Jodi Benson could bring warmth and charm to a character, even one as globally recognized as Barbie. Over the years, Jodi Benson has remained a staple in animation, consistently delivering performances that resonate across generations.
When it comes to Jodi Benson’s most acclaimed work, many fans and critics alike point to Toy Story 2 (1999) as her highest rated film. It’s no surprise that Jodi Benson shines in this beloved animated classic, which earned widespread praise and remains a standout in her career. On the other hand, among her body of work, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea (2000) tends to receive the lowest ratings. While Jodi Benson brings her signature voice talent to the sequel, it just didn’t capture the same magic as the original. Still, Jodi Benson’s contribution to animation and music over the years has been remarkable, with peaks like Toy Story 2 truly highlighting her impact.