Jodi Benson, the iconic voice of Ariel in Disney’s original 1989 animated classic, has definitively stated that the first film holds the most cherished place in her heart. She attributes this deep affection to the profound “emotion, history, and experiences” intrinsically linked to its creation, a sentiment shared by countless fans of the beloved mermaid princess.
For fans of Disney’s beloved classic, The Little Mermaid, the question of a favorite portrayal of its spirited protagonist, Ariel, often sparks passionate debate. While new adaptations, including the recent live-action film and various stage productions, have introduced talented performers like Halle Bailey and Sierra Boggess, for the original voice of Ariel, Jodi Benson, there’s one version that unequivocally remains her favorite: the 1989 animated film.
Benson’s Enduring Connection to the OG Ariel
At New York Comic Con on October 11, 2025, during The Voices of The Little Mermaid panel, Jodi Benson revealed her deep affection for the animated original. When asked to choose her favorite iteration among animation, theater, and live-action, Benson stated, “I think it’s hard to kind of go away from the original.” She explained that this preference stems from “all the emotion and the history and the experiences that are wrapped up into the original,” as reported by People. This sentiment mirrors a widely held view within the fan community, where the original animated Ariel is often regarded as the definitive portrayal.
Despite her undeniable favoritism for the 1989 version, Benson expressed her love and appreciation for all subsequent adaptations of the story over the past few decades, including the 2023 live-action film and numerous stage productions. Her openness to new interpretations highlights her respect for the character’s evolving legacy.
Ariel’s Spirit: A Personal Resonance for Jodi Benson
Benson’s connection to Ariel runs deeper than just voicing a character; she connected with Ariel’s personality “instantaneously.” She particularly identified with Ariel’s “tenacity” and “independent spirit.” Benson elaborated on this, noting, “When she gets a no, she just keeps plowing forward until every door shuts in her face — figuratively.” This resilience was a quality Benson strongly related to.
The recording process also held significant personal meaning. Benson candidly shared that she did not have a relationship with her own father, making the father-daughter dynamic between Ariel and King Triton challenging to tap into. However, the film’s lyricist and co-director, Howard Ashman, stepped in to play the role of King Triton in the studio, providing crucial support that helped Benson craft that integral relationship.
From Animated Classic to Live-Action Legacy
The 1989 animated The Little Mermaid was a groundbreaking success for Disney, grossing over $211 million at the box office and becoming a bestseller on home video. It launched iconic songs like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World” into the cultural lexicon, solidifying its place as a classic.
Decades later, the story was reimagined in the 2023 live-action film, directed by Rob Marshall and starring Halle Bailey as Ariel. The film also featured a star-studded cast including Jonah Hauer-King as Prince Eric, Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, and Javier Bardem as King Triton. Music from the original was blended with new compositions by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Alan Menken.
A poignant moment for many fans was Jodi Benson’s surprise cameo in the live-action film, where she symbolically “passed the torch” to Halle Bailey. Benson herself discussed how meaningful this moment was for her, reflecting on it in an exclusive clip from the film’s bonus features, as reported by ComingSoon.net.
The Multiverse of Mermaids: Stage, Screen, and Family Legacy
Beyond the cinematic adaptations, The Little Mermaid has graced numerous stage productions over the years, further expanding its reach. These theatrical versions have allowed new performers to bring Ariel’s story to life, each adding their unique interpretation to the iconic role.
The legacy has even extended into Jodi Benson’s own family. In 2024, her daughter, Delaney Benson, took on the role of Ariel in a Miami production of The Little Mermaid. Benson and her husband, Ray Benson, were profoundly moved watching their daughter, with Benson stating, “She makes Ariel her own. It was breathtaking.” This personal continuation of the Ariel story underscores the timeless appeal and emotional resonance of the character.
The Deepened Bond: Nearly 40 Years with Ariel
Jodi Benson’s connection to Ariel has only “deepened” over the nearly 40 years since she first brought the character to life. As she told People in August, “We’re going [almost 40] years of having this character, and I know her — and she is me — and we’re kind of combined.” She expressed how amazed she still is to have the privilege of being this character, especially when meeting younger generations and witnessing what Ariel means to them.
