Biography
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.
Quick Facts
- Facts
- Filmography
- Awards
- Salaries
- Quotes
- Trademarks
- Pictures
# | Fact |
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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] |
2 | Has voiced two heroines in animated feature films based on fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen, "Ariel" from The Little Mermaid (1989), and "Thumbelina" from Thumbelina (1994). |
3 | 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 |
The Making of 'The Little Mermaid' | 1989 | TV Movie documentary | Herself - 'Ariel' |
Archive Footage
Archive Footage
Title | Year | Status | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 Remix | 2013 | Video Game | Ariel |
That Fellow in the Coat | 2008-2010 | TV Series | Ariel |
Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories | 2007 | Video Game | Ariel |
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories | 2004 | Video Game | Ariel |
Very Merry Christmas Sing Along Songs | 2003 | Video | Ariel |
Hercules | 1999 | TV Series | Helen of Troy |
Disney Sing-Along-Songs: Circle of Life | 1994 | Video short | Ariel |
Disney Sing-Along-Songs: Friend Like Me | 1993 | Video short | Ariel |
The Music of Disney: A Legacy in Song | 1992 | Video documentary | Ariel |
Won awards
Won awards
Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie | Award shared with |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1991 | Grammy | Grammy Awards | Best Recording for Children | The Little Mermaid (1989) | · Alan Menken (musical score and produced by) · Howard Ashman (lyrics and produced by) · Robert Kraft (produced by) · Samuel E. Wright (performed by) · Pat Carroll (performed by) · Rene Auberjonois (performed by) |
Nominated awards
Nominated awards
Year | Award | Ceremony | Nomination | Movie | Award shared with |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2012 | BTVA Special/DVD Voice Acting Award | Behind the Voice Actors Awards | Best Vocal Ensemble in a TV Special/Direct-to-DVD Title or Theatrical Short | The Little Engine That Could (2011) | · Alyson Stoner · Whoopi Goldberg · Jim Cummings · Jeff Bennett · Dominic Scott Kay · Rodney Saulsberry · Jamie Lee Curtis · Charlie Schlatter · Patrick Warburton |
2011 | EDA Female Focus Award | Alliance of Women Film Journalists | Best Animated Female | Toy Story 3 (2010) | |
2001 | Annie | Annie Awards | 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!
# | Quote |
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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. |
# | Trademark |
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1 | Her beautiful singing voice |