American voice actress and singer who became known for voicing Ariel in the tiny Mermaid films. Her discography contains the soundtracks for THE TINY Mermaid and Thumbelina. She gained her first tone of voice acting function at age 23. She voiced Barbie in 1999’s Gadget Tale 2 and 2010’s Gadget Tale 3. She got a boy, McKinley, and a girl, Delaney, with her hubby Ray Benson. She, like Mandy Moore, supplied voices for personas in the Kingdom Hearts gaming in 2002.
Nominations Tony Award for Best Lead Actress in a Musical, Helen Hayes Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress, Non-Resident Production, Annie Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Feature Production
Movies The Little Mermaid, The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea, The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning, Thumbelina, Toy Story 3, Toy Story 2, Enchanted, Balto II: Wolf Quest, Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure, Flubber, Joseph: King of Dreams, 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure, Balto III: Wings of Change, Hawaiian Vacation, Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, The Mighty Kong, The Little Engine That Could, Hercules: Zero to Hero, Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe in Santa, Dance! Workout with Barbie, Mickey's Fun Songs: Beach Party at Walt Disney World, Small Fry, Disney Princess Party: Volume Two, Disney Princess Sing-Along Songs: Once Upon a Dream, A Christmas Carol, Wreck-It Ralph 2, Casper's Haunted Christmas, Kids Ten Commandments: Life and Seth Situation, The Christmas Lamb, Kids Ten Commandments: Stolen Jewels, Stolen Hearts, Kids Ten Commandments: Rest is Yet to Come, Baby Faith: God Made Me, Baby Faith: God Made Animals, Baby Faith: God Made Music, The Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fun Musical Spectacular, Mickey's PhilharMagic
TV Shows Camp Lazlo, The Buzz on Maggie, Disney's House of Mouse, Hercules, The Little Mermaid, The Pirates of Dark Water
Star Sign Libra
Facts
Filmography
Awards
Salaries
Quotes
Trademarks
Pictures
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Fact
1
Appeared as part of a cast/crew panel discussion at the premiere of a revival/promotional screening of the 1989 Disney classic The Little Mermaid (1989) at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California on September 7th, 2006. [September 2006]
Was actually the first person considered to voice the part of "Belle" in Disney's Beauty and the Beast (1991), but lost the role to Paige O'Hara. However, she did lend her voice to "Belle" in several episodes of the original Disney cartoon series House of Mouse (2001).
4
Gave birth to her second child, a daughter called Delaney (2001)
5
Loves to snow ski, hike, go to the movies, go bowling, read, and travel.
6
Her favorite scene in The Little Mermaid (1989) is singing the "Part of Your World" reprise upon the rock.
7
She started majoring in Law at Millikin University, but after one semester she changed her major and became one of the first students in the BFA program for musical theater.
8
Was nominated for Broadway's 1992 Tony Award as Best Actress (Musical) for "Crazy for You."
9
(January 8, 1999) Son, Mckinley Benson born
10
Attended Millikin University in Decatur, IL
11
Won the Drama-Logue Award for Best Actress for playing Florence Vassey in Chess.
12
Received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical and a Helen Hayes Award nomination for creating the starring role of "Polly Baker" in George Gershwin's "Crazy for You".
Actress
Actress
Title
Year
Status
Character
Caroline in the City
1997
TV Series
Mother
American Experience
1997
TV Series documentary
Luella Day
Star Warped
1997
Video Game voice
The Twisted Tales of Felix the Cat
1995-1996
TV Series
Voices / Girl 2 / Kids / ...
Mickey's Fun Songs: Beach Party at Walt Disney World
1995
Video
Ariel (voice)
The Little Mermaid
1992-1994
TV Series
Ariel
Thumbelina
1994
Thumbelina (voice)
The Pirates of Dark Water
1991-1993
TV Series
Tula
Dance! Workout with Barbie
1992
Video short
Barbie
P.J. Sparkles
1992
TV Movie
P.J. Sparkles (voice)
Hunter
1991
TV Series
Police Officer
The Little Mermaid
1989
Ariel (voice)
Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
1984
Lastelle's Mother (voice)
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
1984
Lastelle's Mother (English version, voice)
Toy Story 4
2019
pre-production
Barbie (voice)
Clarence
2016
TV Series
Diana
Star vs. the Forces of Evil
2015
TV Series
Singing Teacher
Sofia the First
2013
TV Series
Ariel
Secret of the Wings
2012
Healing Fairy (voice)
Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom
2012
Video Game
Ariel (voice)
Kinect Disneyland Adventures
2011
Video Game
Ariel (voice)
1320
2011
Nurse 1
Toy Story Toons: Hawaiian Vacation
2011
Short
Barbie (voice)
The Little Engine That Could
2011
Jillian (voice)
Toy Story 3
2010
Barbie (voice)
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
2008
Video
Ariel (voice)
Enchanted
2007
Sam
Camp Lazlo!
2005-2007
TV Series
Patsy Smiles
Almondine
Patsy
...
Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix+
2007
Video Game
Ariel (English version, voice)
The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy
2004-2006
TV Series
Blue Fairy / Wife Alligator / Lady Admirer / ...
God Made Music
2006
Video short
Narrator
Kingdom Hearts II
2005
Video Game
Ariel / Vanessa (English version, voice)
Disney Princess Party: Volume Two
2005
Video
Ariel (voice)
Balto III: Wings of Change
2004
Video
Jenna (voice)
Sing Along Songs: Disney Princess - Once Upon a Dream
2004
Video short
Ariel (voice)
Duck Dodgers
2003-2004
TV Series
Princess Incense
Captain Torelli
Onimusha 3: Demon Siege
2004
Video Game
Mother (English version, voice)
The Brotherhood of Poland, New Hampshire
2003
TV Series
Choir soloist
Mickey's PhilharMagic
2003
Short
Ariel (voice)
101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure
2003
Video
Anita (voice)
Kids' Ten Commandments: A Life and Seth Situation
2003
Video short
Leila / Martha (voice)
Kids' Ten Commandments: Stolen Jewels, Stolen Hearts
2003
Video short
Leila / Martha / Sarah (voice)
Kids' Ten Commandments: The Not So Golden Calf
2003
Video short
Leila / Martha (voice)
Kids' Ten Commandments: The Rest Is Yet to Come
2003
Video short
Leila / Martha (voice)
Kids' Ten Commandments: Toying with the Truth
2003
Video short
Leila / Martha (voice)
Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe in Santa
2002
TV Movie
Lenee (voice)
House of Mouse
2001-2002
TV Series
Belle
Ariel
Kingdom Hearts
2002
Video Game
Ariel (voice)
Balto: Wolf Quest
2002
Video
Jenna (voice)
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse
2001
Video
Ariel (voice)
Aladdin in Nasira's Revenge
2001
Video Game
Nasira (voice)
Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure
2001
Video
Lady (voice)
The Christmas Lamb
2000
TV Movie
Abigail / Mary / Laura Lamb (voice)
Batman Beyond
2000
TV Series
Mareena Curry
Aquagirl
Joseph: King of Dreams
2000
Video
Asenath (voice)
The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea
2000
Video
Ariel (voice)
Grandia II
2000
Video Game
Millenia / Reena (English version, voice)
The Wild Thornberrys
2000
TV Series
Mother Cheetah
Giggles
1999
Video
Ariel (voice)
Wish Upon a Starfish
1999
Video
Ariel (voice)
Toy Story 2
1999
Tour Guide Barbie
Barbie on Backpack (voice)
Hercules
1998-1999
TV Series
Helen of Troy
Hercules: Zero to Hero
1999
Video
Helen of Troy (voice)
A Bug's Life
1998
Video Game
Atta (voice)
Pepper Ann
1998
TV Series
Amber O'Malley
The Mighty Kong
1998
Video
Ann Darrow (voice)
A Christmas Carol
1997
Video
Belle (voice)
Flubber
1997
Weebo (voice)
Soundtrack
Soundtrack
Title
Year
Status
Character
Sofia the First
2013
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Atop the Fourth Wall
2013
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Some Jerk with a Camera
2011
TV Series documentary performer - 1 episode
Nostalgia Critic
2010
TV Series performer - 1 episode
The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning
2008
Video performer: "Jump in the Line", "I Remember"
Kingdom Hearts II
2005
Video Game performer: "Part Of Your World"
Balto III: Wings of Change
2004
Video performer: "You Don't Have to Be a Hero"
Rapsittie Street Kids: Believe in Santa
2002
TV Movie performer: "Believe In Santa"
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse
2001
Video performer: "The Best Christmas Of All"
Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure
2001
Video performer: "Welcome Home", "Always There"
Joseph: King of Dreams
2000
Video performer: "Bloom Reprise", "More Than You Take"
The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea
2000
Video performer: "Down to the Sea", "For a Moment", "Here on the Land and Sea"
Hercules
1999
TV Series performer - 1 episode
An American Tail: The Treasure of Manhattan Island
1998
Video performer: "We Live in Manhattan"
Thumbelina
1994
performer: "Thumbelina", "Soon", "Let Me Be Your Wings", "Let Me Be Your Wings Reprise"
The Little Mermaid
1992-1993
TV Series performer - 5 episodes
The 46th Annual Tony Awards
1992
TV Special performer: "I Got Rhytm"
Timmy's Gift: A Precious Moments Christmas
1991
Video performer: "Starlight Theme"
Look Who's Talking Too
1990
performer: "I Enjoy Being A Girl"
The Little Mermaid
1989
performer: "Part of Your World" 1989, "Part of Your World Reprise" 1989, "Vanessa's Song" 1989 - uncredited
Self
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Broadway: The Next Generation
2018
Documentary filming
Herself
The View
2013
TV Series
Herself
Toy Story 3: The Gang's All Here
2010
Video documentary short
Herself / Barbie
Entertainment Tonight
2010
TV Series
Herself
Made in Hollywood
2010
TV Series
Herself
God Made Christmas
2006
Video short
Herself
Treasures Untold: The Making of Disney's 'The Little Mermaid'
2006
Video documentary
Herself
God Made Animals
2005
Video short
Herself - Host
God Made Familes
2004
Video short
Herself
God Made Me
2004
Video short
Herself - Host
God Made Babies
2004
Video short
Herself
The Story Behind the Story
2002
Video documentary short
Herself
Disney Through the Decades
2001
Video documentary short
Host - 1980's
Under the Sea: The Making of Disney's Masterpiece 'The Little Mermaid'
1998
Video documentary short
Herself
A Magical Walt Disney World Christmas
1997
TV Special
Herself - Performer
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Festival of Fun Musical Spectacular
1996
TV Movie
Herself - Performer
Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade
1995
TV Movie
Herself
The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts
1992
TV Special
Herself
Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade
1992
TV Special
Herself
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
1992
TV Movie
Herself
The 46th Annual Tony Awards
1992
TV Special
Herself - Performer & Nominee: Best Leading Actress in a Musical
Outstanding Individual Achievement for Voice Acting by a Female Performer in an Animated Feature Production
Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure (2001)
Looks like we don't have salary information. Sorry!
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Quote
1
I think God must have had something in mind for me that was not on my radar when I first started out in New York. Back then, doing animated voices meant your career was done - it was looked down upon.
2
I have a studio at my house, and there is a sister studio for Disney which is about 45 minutes away, and we haven't dropped a beat. In the art of animation and voiceover work, you can pretty much work from anywhere.
3
I was very flattered when Disney Junior reached out and invited me to come voice Ariel for this special primetime edition of 'Sofia the First.' As the parent myself, I really appreciate the positive messages that this animated series is trying to put out there.
4
I grew up with 'Cinderella.' So that was my go-to Disney film, definitely. It was princess-related, and coming from a smaller area in Illinois and wanting to do something greater than myself in Broadway, that was a film that I could really relate to.
5
For me, I was able to make that statement of faith early on when my career began, so there weren't really a lot of surprises. People around me knew where my husband Ray and I stood as far as my faith went.
6
My husband has a gift for reaching out to people in need. I always look over and see him connecting to someone who needs to talk or needs some support.
7
When I do my concerts, you have got to think about everything else; so you have got to think about your gown, your hair, your body, and how you present yourself on stage.
8
What we try to do at Disney and through Disney character voices is really maintain the integrity of our classic characters at all costs. So Ariel needs to be me for every project, and if there are any other Ariels floating around out there, it's not necessarily Disney.
9
We had put our son into a little preschool in Los Angeles, and it was just not going well, so we brought him back home. We had every intention of putting him back into a traditional school setting, but we just really couldn't find the right match for him. And then we moved to Georgia and again couldn't find the right match.
10
Ever since the kids were babies, we have treated them with respect. We are the mom and dad for sure, but we look for opportunities for us to sit down and say, 'How are things going for you? Is there anything that we can do as parents to help you? Let's all come up with a solution together.' We work better as a team.
11
I am a follower of Jesus. My husband really brought me to the Lord when I was 18 and I am so lucky to have a platform through the studio.
12
I can't sing, perform, do anything apart from Christ. I have no power or strength of my own.
13
I love working with talented young performers.
14
I pretty much came out of the womb singing. I think I sang all the time.
15
I can only speak for my husband and myself, but we don't feel like we could do any of this parenting without our faith.
16
All I've been a part of has been thanks to the Disney company: the job, experience, travel, opportunities have come thanks to Disney. Working for Disney was not part of my original plan, but it was part of God's, and it shows that God is still moving.
17
I was the original voice of Mattel's Barbie for an '80s claymation workout video.
18
I remember when John Lasseter called me back in the late 1990s to personally invite me to come be the voice of Barbie in 'Toy Story 2.'
19
I've done a variety of projects in different areas of the entertainment industry.
20
I think good entertainment makes you feel something... it can be a variety of different feelings.
21
I am really committed to my faith journey, and I am committed to my family. My husband and I have been married for almost 30 years, and we homeschool our kids. We have a different working-out-of the-box family, but we do make it work, obviously with God's grace, and we are very grateful for that.
22
Homeschooling has given us some wonderful flexibility and some great life experiences, especially with our son.
23
I want to live outside of the box, and I definitely don't want to put God in a box, so I want to be able to dream big and kind of let that go of my small-mindedness.
24
Anything that has to do with Disney and Pixar, I am on board with. That is where my heart and family are. So when they call, I jump.
25
What I look for in a project or partner is integrity and character; I love the concept of family entertainment and crosses over the generations, where you can sit kids with their grandparents and everyone has a good time. Those are the qualities that I want to bring to viewers.
26
I was doing a Broadway musical called 'Smile' with Howard Ashman and Marvin Hamlisch in 1984/5 when it abruptly closed. Howard was in the middle of pre-production for 'The Little Mermaid,' so he kindly invited all the girls in our cast to audition for the film.
27
I love working for Disney! They are my family.
28
Connecting with the kids is a great joy for me. I love meeting them backstage or at a signing event. I am overwhelmed when I meet kids who struggle with terminal illnesses.
29
I really like worship music. It settles my soul. Gets me back on track. The lyrics are almost like a prayer, so it's my go-to.
30
'The Little Mermaid' changed my life.
31
I have a lot of mermaid stuff. I did start collecting a lot before I had children because I didn't know if I would have a boy or a girl. So I saved everything.
32
The thing that I enjoy about animation is the fact that it is unbridled, and there are no boundaries; when you are in the room, you don't have to focus on your clothing, make-up, hair, your choreography or your blocking; you really do have total freedom.
33
I homeschool, so the start of the day is reading Bible scripture, memorization, and prayer.
34
I think God calls and encourages us to dream big, but sometimes we put God in a box in a very small way, when God wants us to look outside the box.
35
I am blessed to perform in the studio and on the concert stage.
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