Biography
Who is Jodi Benson?
Early life and education
Jodi Benson was born on October 10, 1961, in Rockford, United States. She grew up in a Catholic household and attended Boylan Catholic High School in Rockford. After completing her secondary education, she enrolled at Millikin University to further her studies before pursuing a career in entertainment.
During her early years, Jodi developed an interest in performance. Her training at Millikin University helped prepare her for stage work, leading to early theatrical opportunities in the performing arts sector.
Stage and Broadway career
Jodi made her theatrical debut in the 1983 production Marilyn: An American Fable, directed by Kenny Ortega. She later starred in the 1986 Broadway musical Smile, where she introduced the song Disneyland. Her collaboration with lyricist Howard Ashman during this stage production led directly to her defining voice acting audition.
In 1992, Jodi earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her portrayal of Polly Baker in Crazy For You. She also appeared in Welcome to the Club alongside Samuel E. Wright and performed as the narrator in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Voice acting work for Disney
Jodi is best known for providing the voice of Ariel in Disney's animated feature film The Little Mermaid. Howard Ashman connected her with the project after working with her on Broadway, sending a recorded tape of her singing part of the demo to studio executives. She secured the role in 1988 and continued voicing the character in subsequent sequels, television spin-offs, and video games.
Beyond her work as Ariel, Jodi provided the voice of Barbie in the second and third films of the Toy Story franchise. Her other Disney credits include voicing Weebo in Flubber, Lady in Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure, Anita Radcliffe in 101 Dalmatians II: Patch's London Adventure, and appearing in the live action film Enchanted.
Other professional roles
Jodi voiced the character EVA in the video game Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Because of her association with children's media, voice director Kris Zimmerman advised her to use the pseudonym Suzetta Minet, a name derived from her childhood pet dog. Her true identity remained a secret among fans for two decades until she officially revealed her involvement.
She also voiced characters in various television series, including The Pirates of Dark Water and Camp Lazlo. On the concert stage, she has performed globally as a guest soloist with numerous prominent symphonies, including the Boston Pops and the National Symphony.
Family and personal life
Jodi married actor Ray Benson after dating him during a religious conversion period. The couple shares a son and a daughter named McKinley Benson. She has resided in areas north of Atlanta, Georgia, including the Lake Lanier region.
Alongside her husband, she has participated in collaborative artistic projects, starring alongside her daughter in a concert production of Gypsy at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and later at the OFC Creations Theatre Center.
Birthday and age
Jodi Benson was born on October 10, 1961, which makes Jodi 65 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Jodi shares the date with 38 other famous people.
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