Jodi Benson Shares Her Unwavering Loyalty to the Original ‘Little Mermaid’

Jodi Benson, the iconic voice of Ariel, recently shared her insights on which version of ‘The Little Mermaid’ she holds dearest among animation, theater, and live-action adaptations.

The Unmatched Original

At the recent Voices of The Little Mermaid panel at New York Comic Con, Jodi Benson, now 64, fondly reflected on her journey with the 1989 animated classic. She emphasized the irreplaceable value of this original iteration.

I think it’s hard to kind of go away from the original. That’s just because of all the emotion and the history and the experiences that are wrapped up into the original.

Jodi Benson, Actress

Yet, her admiration isn’t limited to just one version. Benson praised the newer adaptations, including the 2023 live-action remake starring Halle Bailey and the numerous stage renditions.

[But] I love, love all the ways that we have told the story over the last three, five years.

Jodi Benson, Actress

A Personal Connection

Beyond her professional link, Benson identifies deeply with Ariel’s strong-willed personality, citing an immediate connection due to the character’s determination and independence.

When she gets a no, she just keeps plowing forward until every door shuts in her face — figuratively. And so I think the quality of her tenacity is something I really could relate to right off the bat.

Jodi Benson, Actress

However, there were aspects of Ariel’s story that presented challenges for Benson, such as the father-daughter dynamic, which hit close to home due to her own family history.

I did not have a relationship with my father. He had left when I was 11, so that element of father-daughter was a little difficult for me to tap into. But in the studio, Howard Ashman played my dad, he played King Triton. He was really helpful for me to kind of create that relationship.

Jodi Benson, Actress

The Legacy of Ariel

In an August interview with PEOPLE, Benson described how her bond with Ariel has grown even stronger over the years, highlighting how they have become intertwined.

Because we kind of are one and the same now. We’re going [almost 40] years of having this character, and I know her — and she is me — and we’re kind of combined … so it still just kind of amazes me that I have the privilege to be this character.

Jodi Benson, Actress

The actress expressed gratitude for the ongoing influence Ariel has on new generations, reinforcing the character’s enduring impact.

It still just blows me away, especially when I meet kids, meet the younger generation, and what the character means to them. It’s such a gift.

Jodi Benson, Actress

Passing the Torch

The legacy continues within her own family; her daughter, Delaney Benson, carried on the Ariel mantle in a Miami production of ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Both a proud moment and an emotional one, Jodi took profound joy in witnessing her daughter’s performance.

My husband and I just wept the whole time. I saw the show nine times, opening weekend and closing weekend. She makes Ariel her own. It was breathtaking and … we were beside ourselves. It was really magical.

Jodi Benson, Actress

Reporting based on the original article; quotes reproduced verbatim.