Jodi Benson is a name that has been synonymous with Disney since the late 1980s. The talented American actress and singer has been the voice behind some of the most iconic and beloved Disney characters of all time, including Princess Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Weebo from Flubber, and Barbie from the Toy Story franchise. Benson's contribution to the world of animation and entertainment has been immense, and her voice has become a familiar sound to audiences all over the world.
Born on October 10, 1961, in Rockford, Illinois, Benson started her career in musical theater before transitioning into voice acting for animation. She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater from Millikin University in 1983 and moved to New York City to pursue her dream of being on Broadway. In 1984, she landed her first major role as Polly Baker in the Broadway production of Crazy for You, which earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical.
However, it was Benson's role as Princess Ariel in Disney's 1989 animated classic, The Little Mermaid, that marked a turning point in her career. The film was a box office success, grossing over $200 million worldwide and winning two Academy Awards, and Benson's performance earned critical acclaim, including a nomination for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.
Today, Jodi Benson continues to be an important figure in the entertainment industry, lending her voice to various animated projects and entertaining audiences around the world. In this comprehensive biography, we delve into Benson's life and career, exploring her age, height, figure, net worth, and much more.
Discovering the Story Behind Jodi Benson: A Comprehensive Biography
Introduction
Jodi Benson is a legendary American artist known for her incredible talent in acting and singing. She was born in Rockford, Illinois, and grew up with a passion for the arts. However, her journey to success wasn't easy, and she had to overcome many challenges along the way.
Early Life
Jodi Benson started her acting career while still in high school, participating in school plays and musicals. She then decided to pursue a degree in drama, attending the Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. After graduation, she moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a Broadway actress.
Career Breakthrough
Jodi Benson's big break came when she was cast as the voice of Ariel in Disney's The Little Mermaid. Her performance earned critical acclaim, and she quickly became a household name. She went on to lend her voice to many other Disney characters, including Barbie in Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3.
Personal Life
Jodi Benson has been married to her husband, Ray Benson, since 1984. They have two children together, McKinley and Delaney. Jodi is also a devout Christian and has spoken publicly about her faith, including her involvement in various Christian charities and organizations.
Net Worth
As of 2021, Jodi Benson's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This is mainly due to her successful career in the entertainment industry, including her many voice acting roles and her work in musical theater.
Conclusion
Jodi Benson's talent and perseverance have made her one of the most respected artists in the entertainment industry. Her contribution to the world of animation and musical theater has earned her a place in history, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations for many years to come.
Early Life and Career
Jodi Benson, born on October 10, 1961, in Rockford, Illinois, showed her talent for singing at a young age. She started performing in church choirs and school plays.
Benson went to Millikin University to study voice acting. She landed her first professional role with the Disney Studio in the late 1980s. Her first job with Disney was as the voice of The Little Mermaid's Ariel, which became a major breakthrough in her career.
Aside from her iconic role as Ariel, Benson has played many other voice acting roles over the years. She provided the voice for Barbie in Toy Story 2 and Toy Story 3. She also worked on the television show Sofia the First and provided the singing voice for Thumbelina in the 1994 animated film.
Despite her success in voice acting, Benson has also pursued a career on stage. She has appeared in many productions, including Crazy for You, Cabaret, and Smile.
Rise to Fame with Disney
Jodi Benson's big break came in 1989 when she was chosen to voice the iconic character of Ariel, the protagonist in Disney's hit animated film "The Little Mermaid." The film became a huge success and garnered critical acclaim for its animation, music, and story, being credited with reviving the Disney animation studios.
Benson's voice acting brought Ariel to life in a way that captivated audiences worldwide, earning her praise for her singing ability and her effortless portrayal of the character's wide range of emotions. The film's success also paved the way for Benson to become a regular presence in Disney productions, voicing characters in other animated films like "Toy Story 2" and "Enchanted." Benson's role as Ariel remains one of her most recognizable and beloved performances to date.
Beyond her work with Disney, Benson has also had a successful career as a stage actress, starring in Broadway productions like "Crazy for You" and "Smile," and receiving a Tony Award nomination for her role in "Anna Karenina."
Other Works and Achievements
Besides voicing some of the most iconic Disney characters, Jodi Benson has also appeared on stage as well as on television.
- One of her most notable stage roles was the original production of the Broadway musical Smile, which was directed by Michael Bennett.
- She is also a trained soprano and has performed in numerous musicals and concerts across the United States.
- In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Jodi Benson is also a philanthropist, actively supporting various causes such as children's hospitals and animal shelters.
She has also received several awards and recognitions throughout her career, including the Disney Legends Award in 2011 and the Voice Arts Award in 2016 for her work in The Little Mermaid.
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Disney Legends Award | 2011 |
| Voice Arts Awards - Best Female Vocal Performance in a Feature Film | 2016 |
| Daytime Emmy Award - Outstanding Performer in an Animated Program | 2019 |
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Aside from her successful career, Jodi Benson is also known for her philanthropic efforts. She has been actively involved in numerous charity organisations, including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children's Miracle Network, and the Starlight Children's Foundation.
Benson also serves as a board member for the Children with Diabetes Foundation, which provides support and education to families affected by the disease. In 2019, she was honoured with the "Woman of the Year" award by this foundation for her years of dedicated service.
When she's not busy with her charity work, Benson resides in Southern California with her husband, Ray Benson. The couple has two children, both of whom have followed in their mother's footsteps and pursued careers in the entertainment industry.
Benson is also an avid lover of nature, and spends much of her free time hiking and enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors. She credits her love of nature with helping her stay grounded and centered amidst the fast-paced world of show business.
Net Worth and Legacy
Jodi Benson has had a successful career in the entertainment industry, which has undoubtedly contributed to her net worth. While her exact net worth is not publicly known, it is estimated to be around $5 million. Her hard work and dedication to her craft have paid off over the years, as she continues to be a respected and sought-after performer.
Beyond her financial success, Benson has also made a significant impact on the world of entertainment through her iconic roles. Her portrayal of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid" is widely considered to be one of the most memorable and beloved voice performances of all time. In addition to entertaining audiences around the world, Benson has also used her celebrity status to make a positive impact through various philanthropic endeavors.
- She is a strong advocate for children's charity organizations, including the Children's Miracle Network and Childhelp USA.
- Benson has also worked closely with the Special Olympics, hosting benefit concerts and providing support for the athletes.
- She is a dedicated supporter of arts education, serving on the board of directors for the Los Angeles Music Center and the Theatre Under the Stars in Houston.
Through her talent and generosity, Jodi Benson has left a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry and beyond. Her contributions have made a positive impact on countless individuals, and her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
FAQ
What is Jodi Benson's age?
Jodi Benson was born on October 10, 1961, which makes her 59 years old as of 2020.
How tall is Jodi Benson?
Jodi Benson stands at a height of 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm).
What is Jodi Benson's figure like?
Jodi Benson has a slender figure with measurements of 34-26-35 inches (86-66-89 cm).
What is Jodi Benson's net worth?
As of 2020, Jodi Benson's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This is mainly from her successful career as a voice actor, singer, and actress.
What are some of Jodi Benson's most famous roles as a voice actor?
Jodi Benson is best known for voicing the iconic character of Ariel in the Disney film "The Little Mermaid". She has also voiced other famous characters such as Barbie in the "Toy Story" franchise and Weebo in "Flubber".
