Jodi Benson, renowned as the voice of Ariel in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid,’ recently offered fans insights into her personal connection with the iconic character. Benson shared her reflections during an appearance at New York Comic Con, where she discussed both the similarities and differences between herself and Ariel.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/jodi-benson-the-little-mermaid-101525-38e8d2dd098341b0ad71ba9b841601da.jpg)
The panel, titled Part of Your World: The Voices of The Little Mermaid, featured Jodi Benson and Christopher Daniel Barnes, who portrayed Prince Eric in the animated classic. The two actors delved into the experiences of bringing their characters to life and the enduring impact of the beloved film, which first captivated audiences over 35 years ago.
Benson revealed that she found an immediate connection with Ariel’s tenacity, highlighting the character’s unwavering determination in the face of adversity. She expressed admiration for Ariel’s free-spirited and independent nature, traits that resonated with her on a personal level. However, there were aspects of Ariel’s story that Benson found challenging to relate to, particularly the character’s bond with her father.
Opening up about her own experiences, Benson shared that she did not have a close relationship with her father, making it difficult for her to tap into the father-daughter dynamic portrayed in the film. Despite this hurdle, Benson credited Howard Ashman, who voiced Ariel’s father King Triton, for helping her navigate the emotional depth of her character and bring authenticity to their on-screen relationship.
Reflecting on her enduring connection with Ariel, Benson noted that after nearly four decades of voicing the character, she sees herself and Ariel as intertwined entities. The actress expressed gratitude for the privilege of embodying such an iconic role and marveled at the character’s lasting impact on new generations of children.
In a previous exclusive interview during the World Princess Week Celebration in August 2025, Benson shared the profound bond she feels with Ariel, emphasizing the merging of their identities over the years. She expressed a sense of wonder at being able to embody a character that continues to resonate with audiences across different age groups.
Benson’s reflections offer a poignant glimpse into the complexities of portraying a beloved character like Ariel and the personal connections that actors forge with their roles. Her insights shed light on the emotional depth and authenticity she brought to the character, enriching the enduring legacy of ‘The Little Mermaid’ for fans old and new.
As Benson continues to share her journey with Ariel and inspire audiences with her storytelling, her words serve as a testament to the transcendent power of animation and the timeless allure of Disney’s magical creations.